A major move to reduce India’s import dependence on raw materials in manufacturing essential medicines is likely to be reduced by 25% by 2024 stated the health minister. This is a significant step as Indian manufacturers are dependent on China for importing 53 active pharmaceutical ingredients in medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis, cancer, steroids, and vitamins. The raw material imported from China is also used in finished formulations that are exported from India to various other countries.

Mansukh Mandaviya, Health, and Pharma Minister highlighted the need to make India self-reliant in the manufacturing of pharma materials and products to reduce dependence. The government has launched two production-linked incentive schemes aimed at supporting local manufacturers and intermediaries.

While India exports APIs costing around Rs 30,000 crore, it imports raw materials at the cost of Rs 32,000 crores. Mandaviya stated that the nation should focus on other aspects like international partners, and global supply chain, digital expertise implementation adding to the increasing demand in the healthcare sector with easy accessibility.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/25-cut-in-api-import-reliance-by-2024-says-health-minister/91022682 )