India plans to ramp up API output to ease China imports

SINGAPORE--India drug authorities are working on plans to increase the nation's capacity to produce its own bulk drugs in an effort to reduce its drug industry's dependence on imports, mainly from China.

India's Pharmaceuticals Department Secretary V.K. Subburaj

V.K. Subburaj, secretary of the Pharmaceuticals Department, told reporters the effort would begin in two months with an expectation that within ten years India could be independent of China for most of its APIs. At present, he said, more than 80% of India's supply comes from China.

The plan is contained in a set of proposals now before the government cabinet, which was expected to take up the issue soon.

For the government's part, under the proposal, state governments would donate land for drug makers to building production facilities. Subburaj said at least four states already have offered acreage.

In addition, he said, his department was considering a revival of Hindustan Antibiotics with the help of Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals to help boost bulk-production capacity. The company has been dormant recently.

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