Karnataka to constitute separate vision groups for pharmaceutical sector, medical device segment: Chief Minister

Bengaluru: “Karnataka state is proposing to constitute separate vision groups for pharmaceutical sector and medical device segment to guide on further promotion of these two promising sectors. These vision groups would be headed by the experts in the respective sectors,” said Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah delivering his inaugural address at the inaugural session of India Pharma 2017 being organized by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce of Industry and others in Bengaluru on Saturday.  

Karnataka is one of the growing bio-pharmaceutical states in the country, currently ranks fifth in pharma exports and contributes 10 per cent to the Indian pharma export revenue.  Presently, there are more than 230 pharma and bio-tech companies are housed in the state. A host of reputed and globally known pharmaceutical companies functioning in the State have brought name and fame to Karnataka.

Karnataka exports 40 per cent of its pharma produce.  Presence of exclusive Pharma Special Economic Zone, Pharma Industrial Areas and Research and Development Centres provide required impetus for further growth of Pharma sector. Karnataka generates 8 per cent of the country’s pharmaceutical revenue.  Karnataka is a largest bio-technology hub in India having 194 out of 340 bio-tech companies, the chief minister said.

The state has recognized the necessity to give impetus for promotion of pharmaceutical sector in Karnataka in a holistic way.  Realizing this need, the state has brought out Karnataka Pharmaceutical Policy. 

This policy is envisioned to make Karnataka a vibrant pharmaceutical manufacturing hub by leveraging the strengths of knowledge based institutions and skilled human resource of the state. The ultimate objective of the policy is to provide innovative, quality and affordable health care solutions to the masses. This policy proposes to constitute Karnataka Pharmaceutical Development Cell to serve as a dedicated single point contact for this sector.   

In order to give further thrust on promotion of medical devices manufacturing enterprises, our government has evolved host of strategies, as part of the New Industrial Policy 2014-19, chief minister added. HN Ananth Kumar, Union Minister for Chemicals, Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs,  DV Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.