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Implementation of Schedule M: The implementation of GMP under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act should be done. It is going to benefit the majority of industry in future business and exports to countries like European union and USA. Government of India should take initiative and provide subsidies either directly or through state governments for this implementation.
"Schedule M Compliant" units would derive the maximum benefits. Lessons should be drawn from the Chinese experiences where systematic efforts were taken to educate the bureaucrats, policy makers and the industry about the WTO and product patents in the pharmaceutical industry.
E-Commerce: Internet exchange pharmaceutical trade is US $150 billion. Pharma Industry should use this channel of commerce by registering with B2B vortals (vertical portal) on Internet like WorldChemnet, IndiaChemNet, and pharmabiz.com. These B2B portals have various e-commerce options & industry related contents. It allows a 'seller' to make available his products to global audience & provides 'buyers' the tool for locating the product with right specification at a very competitive price. Indian pharma industry can use these portals in the form of on line aggregator, vertical purchasing hub, e-pharmacies for
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Transaction of intermediates and bulk actives at competitive costs
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For the research activity
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For finding Bio-informatics software & database & to recruit patients for clinical trials
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Electronic submissions for product approvals with the FDA.
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Build therapeutic franchise & Brand identity - None of the Indian players have a distinctive position in any therapeutic area. By building a therapeutic franchise, they could increase their attractiveness as a marketing partner of choice. Therefore, they could buy/ license brands from other companies to become marketing partner for medium sized MNCs entering the Indian market for those segments.
Capture OTC opportunity: Traditionally, majority of Indian pharma industry have shied away from the OTC segment. The switch from Rx to OTC can benefit drugs in the Antacids, Vitamins/Minerals, Digestives, Cough/Cold, and Topical pain relievers. Some of MNC brands which are showing negative growth rates could be potential OTC aspirants in the coming few years.
Deletion of population related criteria in Clause 13 (a) under Schedule K of the Drugs & Cosmetics rules that requires sale licence for selling in villages having population over 1,000, thereby limiting their easy availability to vast majority of population.
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