PM Modi Chairs meeting with Pharma-Industry Leaders
Shri Narendra Modi conducted a meeting with the leaders of the Pharma sector through video conference on March 21, 2020.
Shri Modi said that pharma manufacturers and suppliers have a vital role to play in fighting the challenge of COVID-19. He said, “Pharma industries should attempt to invent new and innovative solutions to fight against this novel virus and at the same time should also ensure the maintenance of supply lines of essential medications, medical kits as well as equipment.
He said by highlighting the significance of the manufacture of such APIs (Active Drug Active Ingredients) within the nation, that the government is committed to assist the sector in maintaining the supply of API. He claimed that the government has approved schemes of Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore in order to ensure the manufacturing of essential medicine and medical equipment within the nation.
He asked for the pharma leaders to develop RNA Diagnostic Kits useful for testing COVID-19.
During the meeting with Pharma-industry, Modi asked the pharmacists and medication sellers to be on consistent vigil to ensure that the amassing of medicines, as well as black marketing, is avoided and also
the supply of essentials is maintained. He suggested that the supply of medicines in huge amounts should be avoided wherever possible.He said that the continued functioning of these industries is essential to ensure that there is no shortage of workforce in the pharma industry in this hour of need. He suggested the exploration of the home-delivery to allow the upkeep of social distancing at pharmacies, as well as the additional promotion of digital payment systems to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Shri Narendra Modi was thanked by the Pharmaceutical Associations for his leadership in this time of crisis. The Associations stated that they are pledged to maintaining the supply of necessary medications and devices, as well as working to develop vaccines. They stated that the government’s plan statements for the Pharma field will give the sector a significant boost.
Prime Minister acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the sector and also the passion with which they are working. He said that because of the people’s trust in them, they also have an essential function to play in publishing scientific details to the public.
The Secretary of Pharmaceuticals highlighted the determined efforts of the government by working with the port as well as airport authorities to ensure the supply of essentials. Health Secretary thanked the Pharmaceutical Associations and also stated that there is no scarcity of supply detected so far and also talked about the collaboration with Protective Wear Manufacturing Associations.
Union Minister of State for Shipping, Chemicals, and Fertilizers, Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of Health, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Government of India and senior representatives from Pharmaceutical associations including Indian Drug Manufacturer Association, All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, Bulk Drug Manufacturing Association and Association of Medical Device Industry Torrent Pharmaceuticals participated in the meeting.
Author: Sruthi S
