(a) whether the Union Government are aware of the fact that many pharmaceutical companies closing down their own factories are producing medicines on `loan licence` through small factories where there are no arrangement for research and development to maintain the quality of the drugs; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SHRI. A. RAJA )
(a) There are no specific reports available with the government concerning pharmaceuticals companies closing down their own factories and producing medicines on loan licence. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, there is a provision for manufacturing of drugs under loan licence from other licensed manufacturing units. This does not concern research and development.
(b): Question does not arise in view of Part (a).