Dept of Pharma To Assit MSMEs To Ensure High Quality of Medicines

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has proposed to provide financial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to help them upgrade their equipment to ensure better quality of medicines.

"Under a central scheme, which is called Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme, MSMEs can seek financial assistance from the government," said Arunish Chawla, secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals. "This will open a new window for MSMEs who have an opportunity to get some assistance and be able to get the quality certifications that are now mandatory."

The health and family welfare ministry has made good manufacturing practices mandatory for pharma companies. A recent notification by the ministry covered the revised Schedule M rules for good manufacturing practices and requirements of premises, plant and equipment for pharmaceutical products, with provisions for an annual product quality review, risk management and a quality system, as per economic times.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said in July last year that List M should be made mandatory for pharmaceutical SMEs in a phased manner. The Health Ministry said drugmakers with an annual turnover of more than ₹250 billion will have to comply with the norms within six months from August 1, 2023. Smaller companies will get one year, it said.