Bharat Biotech Chief says PLI schemes should also focus on entities supporting production of branded pharma products

"Lots of consumer durables, raw materials and packing materials were in short supply because we are not making them here in the country. It is very important that we focus on schemes for all these segments as well," Prasad said.;

Published On 2022-09-26 05:45 GMT | Update On 2022-09-26 05:45 GMT

New Delhi: Production-linked incentive schemes should also focus on companies providing packaging materials and other services in addition to manufacturers of branded pharmaceutical items to reduce import dependence, according to Bharat Biotech Executive Director Sai Prasad. He also emphasised on shifting the focus towards innovative pharmaceuticals products in order to enhance the margins for industry players.

"We already have policies like production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and research-based schemes and these policies are going to be very helpful for the sector... It is our view that such policies should also focus on companies which provide goods and services to the pharma industry," Prasad told the media agency in an interaction.

The incentives also need to be given to single-use consumer companies, raw material packaging firms and other service providers in the pharmaceutical supply chain, he added.

"If the ecosystem is strong only then the branded companies could be strong," Prasad said.

He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country witnessed shortage of various raw materials and consumer durables.

"Lots of consumer durables, raw materials and packing materials were in short supply because we are not making them here in the country. It is very important that we focus on schemes for all these segments as well," Prasad said.

Currently, the government through the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is currently implementing three PLI schemes -- Bulk Drugs (Rs 6,940 crore), Medical Devices (Rs 3,420 crore) and Pharmaceuticals (Rs 15,000 crore) -- to promote manufacturing activity.

Prasad noted that the domestic pharma sector should "focus upon innovation."

"We as a country are focussed on large-scale manufacturing that is cost-based manufacturing and that has to move towards innovative products, where there will be more margins for manufacturing companies, I think that's where the industry and ecosystem has to move towards," he said.

On the vaccine segment, Prasad noted that the companies need to focus more on R&D and innovation.

"Our prowess in manufacturing is very high but at the same time we lack in R&D and innovation. Only a few companies are doing that and more and more companies need to invest towards that in order to move up the value chain," he said.

There is a need to come with innovative molecules, he added.

Some companies are doing that on a small scale and it needs to evolve into a much larger scale, Prasad said.

On regulatory mechanisms, he stated that it takes several months to get approvals for importing some of the critical raw materials, which hampers the product development.

"Another part is the researchers in academic institutions... I think they should be incentivised... a lot of countries have done that successfully so that academic talent is given the ability to promote and convert their stuff to commercial stage products," Prasad said.

Article Source : PTI

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Gilead Sciences gets USFDA nod for new Biktarvy indication for people with HIV who are treatment experienced, restarting antiretroviral treatment

2025-08-02 07:00 GMT

Bharat Biotech Chief says PLI schemes should also focus on entities supporting production of branded pharma products

"Lots of consumer durables, raw materials and packing materials were in short supply because we are not making them here in the country. It is very important that we focus on schemes for all these segments as well," Prasad said.;

Similar News

Gilead Sciences gets USFDA nod for new Biktarvy indication for people with HIV who are treatment experienced, restarting antiretroviral treatment

USFDA issues 4 observations for Jubilant Generics Roorkee facility

Granules India arm gets 1 USFDA observation for Hyderabad facility

CDSCO Panel Clears PURE & CURE's Sickle Cell Trial With Conditions On Sample Size, Sites

Sun Pharma net profit drops 20% to Rs 2,279 crore in Q1

Sandoz to acquire Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS in-house development, manufacturing capabilities in France

Zydus Wellness sees exit of Head-R&D, Head-GDSO

Natco Pharma appoints TC Mallikarjun as Vice President - QC at Kothur Pharma Division