Pharma companies must invest in R&D to keep growing: Prabhu
New Delhi, July 13 : Noting that India is now recognized globally as a key player in the generic medicine industry, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday asked pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development (R&D) for further growth of the sector.
Speaking at an event here, organised by the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, Prabhu said the government is taking steps to make pharma companies more innovative.
"All companies in pharma industry must ensure that they invest good part of their topline in R&D. Because if you do not have pipeline of new drug delivery or new molecules, you will always have problem down the line," he said.
"By 2020, India is likely to be among the top three pharmaceutical markets by incremental growth and the sixth largest market globally in absolute size.
"Increase in the size of middle class households coupled with the improvement in medical infrastructure in the country will influence the growth of the pharmaceuticals sector," he added.
The Minister asked the companies to make a proper balance between making profits and protecting consumer interests.
"We must have a trade-off. We cannot take only one of that issue for granted," he said.
"We will make sure that the industry grows and at the same time the consumer interest is also adequately protected."
Prabhu also said that Indian pharma firms were facing problems of market access in China, which had been resolved following his talks with the Chinese Commerce Minister.
According to a Commerce Ministry release, the Indian pharmaceuticals market witnessed a compound annual growth rate of 5.64 per cent during 2011-16, with the market increasing from $20.95 billion in 2011, to $27.57 billion in 2016.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
