Rajeev Choudhury

China’s share in the bulk drug import of India has gone by 5% in the three years from 61% in 2019-20 to 66% in 2021-22, the Minister of State for Chemical and Fertilisers Bhagwanth Khuba informed the parliament recently.

Replying to a question, the Minister said that the country’s export of bulk drug and drug intermediaries during FY 2021-22 stood at 33,320 crore rupees.

“However, the country also imports various bulk drugs and active pharmaceutical intermediaries (APIs) for  producing medicines from various countries including China. Most of the imports of the Bulk Drug/APIs being done in the country are because of economic considerations and also, China is one of the largest producers of key starting materials (KSMs) and APIs in the world,” he added.

Quoting data, the Minister further said that while the share of imports of bulk drugs and APIs from china was 61% at 2,20,875 metric tons valued at 16,443 crore rupees  in 2019-20, the figure rose to 2,64,582 metric tons valued at 23,273 crore rupees in 2021-22 or 66% of the total imports.

Stressing that the Government strives to minimise the country’s dependence on imports and to give a fillip to indigenous manufacturing and it is currently implementing three schemes namely the PLI Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of KSMs, DIs and APIs, with a financial outlay of rupees 6,940 crores for 41 identified products.

Moreover, the Government is also implementing a PLI scheme with a financial outlay of rupees15,000 crores and the tenure from FY 2020- 2021 to FY 2028-29, provides for financial incentives to 55 selected applicants for manufacturing of identified products under three categories including APIs for six years, the Minister further added.

Moreover, the Government is also providing financial assistance to three States for establishing bulk drug park tenure from FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-25 with a financial outlay of rupees 3,000 crores, the minister informed.