Question : PROBLEMS OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

(a) whether the Government has constituted a Task Force to chalk out a long-term strategy to resolve the problems being faced by the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the terms of reference of the said Task Force and the important issues raised through it;

(c) whether the Task Force has submitted its report;

(d) if so, the details of the suggestions given to make the country a pharmaceutical research and development hub; and

(e) the follow-up action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) No such task force has been constituted by the Department.

(b) to (e) In view of reply of (a) above, does not arise. However, the Working Group on Drugs & Pharmaceuticals for the 12th Plan, in its report,submitted to the Planning Commission, hasrecommended a proposal of setting up Pharma Venture Capital Fund for growth of research and development, with an outlay of Rs. 500.00 crore. Besides,M/s Ernst & Young Private Limited (M/s E&Y), Gurgaon, has been given an assignment as Global Level Consultant for preparation of Detailed Project Report for developing India as a Drug Discovery & Pharma Innovation Hub 2020.