UP launches Pharma & Medical Devices Industry Policy, 2023

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Industry Policy, 2023, which includes provisions for a single window clearance under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister's office, time-bound clearances, pre-consultation of project plans by the regulator, and a dedicated technical advisory body for guidance and support, in addition to incentives for pharma parks, manufacturing units, and support for start-ups and marketing activities.

The State will have a single window clearance system, which will be directly supervised by the Chief Minister's office, as part of its efforts to promote ease of doing business. The regulations will ensure timely delivery of services, clearances, permissions, and permits as part of making time bound clearances. The Food and Drug Administration (FSDA) will appoint a nodal officer to help investors in obtaining the pollution No Objection Certificate (NOC) and other certificates required to develop pharmaceutical facilities. The FSDA team will review the project dossier and building plan supplied by the investors to determine the feasibility of the project, and a Letter of Comfort will be issued to the investor following satisfactory scrutiny of the dossier. The government will also set up the Uttar Pradesh Pharmaceutical Development Cell (UPPDC) as an advisory body for technical guidance and support. The cell will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Department of FSDA and consist of representatives from concerned departments and experts from different areas of pharmaceutical and biotechnology, while representatives from the industry associations will be invited members. The matter referred by the regulatory committees and others will be taken up by the Cell from time to time and it will also facilitate the development of a data bank and resource centres apart from other supports. There will also be an Empowered Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to oversee the policy's development and the scheme's implementation. It would also have the jurisdiction to approve proposals for mega projects (projects with a capital investment of more than Rs. 100 crore). Representatives from industry associations will also be invited members.

The policy aims to revamp the State's pharmaceutical and medical device industry by encouraging local production, promoting research and development and improving the availability of affordable medicines to the citizens. The policy focuses on creating a conducive environment for the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the state aiming to attract investments in the sector by providing a range of incentives such as subsidies and land allocation for setting up manufacturing units. It also intends to create a robust ecosystem for research and development by setting up State-of-the-art facilities and collaborating with academic institutions and research institutes. Around 217 companies have proposed to invest nearly Rs. 28,500 crore in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector. These investments are expected to create nearly 57,000 job opportunities, boost the local economy, and contribute to the growth of the sector. The State also has a robust manpower availability for the industry, it added.