Question : PATENTED MEDICINES

(a) whether the essential medicines are being exported to other countries from India by drug companies and if so, the details thereof, company-wise and Country-wise;

(b) whether the Government is negotiating any trade deal with the European Union countries in the pharmaceuticals sectors including data exclusivity and data sharing;

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the response of the Government thereto and its likely ramification on the local pharmaceutical industry and Research and Development work in this sector;

(d) the details of the mechanism being considered to ensure that the agreement would not undermine the export of patented medicines produced in India and Indian generic medicine industry; and

(e) the details of the steps taken/proposed to be taken to prevent generic drug manufacturers from launching a cheaper version of patented drugs?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) India exports drugs & pharmaceuticals to about 230 countries across the globe, which includes some essential drugs also. Exports of drugs & Pharmaceuticals for top 20 countries for the last 2 years is Annexed.

(b) to (e) India is negotiating an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter in the proposed India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement. The EU side has been demanding data exclusivity and stiff enforcement regime beyond the provisions of Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The Indian side has informed the EU that negotiations on the IPR chapter will be as per India’s present domestic legislation and the TRIPS mandate.