Conspiracy to defame Indian pharma globally is on: Pharma Export Promotion Councio

Hyderabad : Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, a body under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, expressed apprehension that a larger conspiracy is unfolding to defame Indian pharma industry in international markets.

Referring to some media reports, PV Appaji, Director General of Pharmexcil, said eight out of top 20 generic drug makers are located in India and it shows the strength of the country in world pharma market.

"In the given background, Pharmexcil is noticing a disturbing trend. In the recent past, much of adverse propaganda is taking place against the Indian companies with an intention to malign the image of Indian pharma and ultimately depriving the developing world to have an access to the quality drugs manufactured by Indian companies at affordable cost.

"There is a serious and strong lobby working against the interests of Indian pharma industry and India," Appaji told reporters in a press conference.

Appaji was referring to certain media reports which highlight environmental issues of a section of Indian drug makers, including Aurobindo Pharma, and the alleged creation of "super bug" during the production of some drugs intended for supply to a British Agency, in their manufacturing plants.

Underlining strengths of Indian pharma, Appaji said that as on February 2016, as many as 631 sites have complied with EU GMP while 605 sites were registered with USFDA as on April 2015. He said approximately 1,400 WHO GMP certified plants are in India.

"Indian pharmaceutical industry is controlled by a strong regulatory mechanism for GMP and environmental controls. This is being enforced by regular audits so as to ensure adherence to the regulatory compliance," he said.

Pharmexcil will also seek the guidance and intervention from various agencies of the Central Government for the future course of action, Appaji added.