Question : GENERIC DRUGS



(a) whether Singapore nods for Indian generic drugs;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the Memorandum of Understandings signed so far; and

(d) the use of such drugs in each foreign country?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) to (c): Ministry of External Affairs has informed that during the launch of the 2nd Review of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in New Delhi on 11-05-2010, both the countries signed a `Special Scheme for Registration of Generic Medicinal Products from India1 that seeks to fast-track the registration process for Indian Generic Medicines in Singapore.

The special medicinal product registration scheme will facilitate the marketing approval of Indian generic medical products that have been approved by one of the major drug regulatory authorities such as the US FDA with supporting documents. For products that meet the eligible criteria, the time taken to register the products in Singapore will be shortened.

(d): Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council has informed that generic drugs have been receiving wide encouragement globally, including all the developed countries like European Union, North America, Japan, etc. in view of healthcare cost savings being realized. India has been among the major source countries for generic medicines.