In the Indian pharmaceuticals sector, Hyderabad has a strategic place especially with the city contributing 30 per cent of the nation’s bulk drugs and vaccines. The upcoming Pharma city is anticipated to boost the sector itself. Minister KTR said that the cluster will offer industry-best infrastructure and will itself provide environmental clearances to companies.

On the contrary, at present the pharma industry is going through a rough phase with most of its units struggling to survive or locking down. As many as 70 units stopped operating in a fortnight. The reason is attributed to the higher production costs, factory licence rules and the exorbitant restrictions from Pollution Control Board (PCB). The strict PCB rules make it challenging for product changeovers, in a way curbing innovation in the Pharma industry.

With over 340 pharma units as members, Telangana Association for Pharma & Chemical Industries (TAPCI), voiced its concern over the alarming situation in the pharma industry.

Almost 20 per cent of the world’s generic exports are from the Indian pharmaceuticals sector which is thirteenth in value and third largest in terms of volume. The country has around 3,000 pharmaceutical companies. However, Indian active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturers expressed their apprehensions over the snowballing competition from China. Even Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association (BDMA) are requesting subsidy support and change in approval process for new drugs from the Central government

While the projections indicate that the sector by 2020, will remain sixth in size of business and third position in terms of overall growth, experts claim it will be helplful if drugs and intermediates licence is given, furthermore government ensures low interest on loans and comes up with Industry-friendly rules and regulations in Telangana.