Gujarat eager to create pharma machinery cluster

Gujarat eager to create pharma machinery cluster

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat government is eager to develop specialized pharma machinery cluster in the state. Principal Secretary of Industries and Mines, Gujarat, Maheshwer Sahu said government can make land available at Sanand near Tata Nano plant or even at Hansalpur near proposed Maruti Suzuki's plant for specialized pharma machinery cluster.

He was speaking at an inaugural function of Pharmac India 2012 at Ahmedabad. Pharmac is a three day exhibition of pharma ancillary industry showcasing machinery, equipment and material. Mr Sahu was chief guest at the event.

According to Mr Sahu, to bring vibrancy in the state's pharma machinery sector; the government is ready to provide impetus by developing specialized engineering pharma machinery cluster. He also emphasized that policy should be developed to support export in pharma machinery.

Gujarat's Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), commissioner, H G Koshia, commissioner said his department is playing a pro-active role in development of pharma industry in the state and will continue to extend any support for the growth of pharma machinery sector in the state.

Pharmac India is organised by Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt Ltd in cooperation with Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and supported by Pharmexcil, BDMA and CiPi. On the first day of the Pharmac exhibition, nearly 4000 visitors' footfall has been recorded by the organizers.

There are 200 stalls showcasing pharma ancillary industry, bulk drug makers and drug formulation companies. Atul Shah, treasurer at IDMA's Gujarat chapter expects a total of 10,000 to 12,000 visitors by end of the three days exhibition.

The third edition of Pharmac India has been organised in Gujarat, as the state is at the forefront in thepharmaceutical industry growth in India. Gujarat's contribution to the growth of India's pharmaceutical industry has been significant.

Gujarat has the highest number, 41, of USFDA approved plants. The remaining 119 plants are scattered all over the country. The state's pharma industry contributes 40% to national pharma turnover and has a 22% share in Rs 42,263 crore pharmaceutical exports.