- Himachal Pradesh govt invites pharma firms to sign the MoU to set up a drug park at Una.
- A webinar held on October 29 was held by the state govt to exchange ideas regarding the project.
- CM Jai Ram addressed the concerns of the industrialists and expressed his confidence in the state.
THD NewsDesk, Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh government has asked pharmaceutical firms to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate bulk drug manufacturing units within the proposed bulk drug park in Una.
To benefit from the first-mover advantage, the state government has tabled a proposal to the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, granting 1,400 acres of land in Una. Himachal is a keen contender for the drug park that is being offered by the Centre as it has the edge over the other states in terms of:
- Surplus and low tariff of power
- Ample resource of water
- Industry-friendly policy
- Good ranking in ease of doing business
On October 29, a webinar was held with the pharmaceutical industrialists to discuss ideas for making headway. Addressing the virtual meeting, Chief Minister Jai Ram expressed his confidence in the state.
What makes Himachal Pradesh a strong candidate
Additional Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Ram Subhaag, said that currently, the state boasts 750 pharma units with an estimated Rs 28 crores worth market size of APIs per annum. He promised an incentive of 200% returns on their investment based on net present value (NPV). Stressing on the factors that make Himachal a strong contender, he highlighted that the state has 3500 million units surplus power supply in the state, offers affordable tariff rates, and the lowest utility cost. Moreover, the state can also guarantee one of the lowest land development costs besides having abundant unskilled labor. Apart from that, the state is also digging up water bodies in Una that will cater to the state’s water requirements.
In light of the state’s transportation problem, Pankaj Patel, Chairman, and Managing Director, Zydus Cadila, asked the authorities to implement modern technologies that will ensure zero liquid discharge facility at the central treatment plant. He also proposed securing a centralized storage capacity and recovery facility for solvents.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry BR Sikri, Vice President, Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association, said, “There are more than 40 departments which regulate our industry which is acting as a bottleneck in the growth. Therefore, the Himachal Pradesh government needs to discuss these issues with the industry and resolve them on a priority.”
Emphasizing the need to attract investors, Satyanarayan Chava, Chief Executive, Laurus Labs, said that the state must identify ingenious, cost-effective products that will contribute to its growth. He also pointed out how setting up a good housing infrastructure near the workplace would help attract the right talent.
Further, a strong suggestion was recommended by Kuber Jagdale, Senior Vice President – Technical Operations and API head, Cipla, to obtain the environmental clearance from the Union before proceeding with the allotment of the land.
Representing Sun Pharma, Anil Kumar Jain, CEO, insisted on an industry-friendly eco-system for the pharmaceutical firm to consider setting up another unit in the State.
State CM Jai Ram carefully heard the pharma firms’ concerns regarding transportation in the state and assured that the state would take care of the requirements for smooth business activities in the State. Jagdish Sharma graced the webinar, Principal Secretary to State CM, Hansh Raj Sharma, Commissioner- Industries, Abid Hussain special secretary, Industries, and Tilak Raj Sharma, Joint -Director, Industries.
Source: Express Pharma