Year End Review of Department of Pharmaceuticals-2022

Source: The post is based on the article “Year End Review of Department of Pharmaceuticals-2022” published in PIB on 23rd December 2022

What is the News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched several initiatives and schemes in 2022.

What are the schemes and initiatives launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2022?

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

Launched by: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in 2008. 

Aim: To make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.

Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.

Implementing body: The Scheme is implemented by the Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI) (erstwhile Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India).

National List of Essential Medicines 

Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry(SPI):

Aim: To address demand of support required to existing Pharma clusters and MSMEs, to improve their productivity, quality and sustainability. 

Components: The scheme has 3 components / sub-schemes: 1) Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities(APICF) 2) Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) and 3) Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS).

PLI Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates (DIs)/ Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

PLI Scheme for promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices

PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals

Medical Devices Sector: The medical devices sector is an essential and integral constituent of the healthcare sector. 

The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be USD 11 Bn and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5%.

Few important interventions for the Medical Devices Sector were taken in 2022 such as:

– Reconstitution of National Medical Devices Promotion Council: It is an inter-departmental council setup to interact frequently with the medical devices industry to take up matters for resolution, which are regulatory in nature and are spread over different departments. 

– Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices: Department of Commerce has approved establishment of a separate Export Promotion Council (EPC) for Medical Devices at YEIDA, Uttar Pradesh.The council will give the boost to the Medical Devices Sector.