(a) whether there is any blanket ban on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pharmaceutical Sector and further takeover/ acquisition of domestic pharma units;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Ministries of Finance and Health and Family Welfare are strongly pitching for urgent reversal of the current policy of allowing FDI in Pharmaceutical Sector; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. 100% FDI in brownfield pharmaceutical sector under government approval is permitted.
(c) & (d): The Government considered a proposal to review the FDI cap in brownfield pharmaceutical sector to curb the takeover/ acquisition of domestic pharmaceutical companies. Department of Health & Family Welfare supported the proposal. Ministry of Finance supported the continuance of the existing policy. Government has not approved the proposal to review the FDI cap in brownfield pharma sector.