The essential anti-tuberculosis drug Rifampicin is set for commissioning later this year, according to official sources from ANI.
Importance of Rifampicin in Tuberculosis Treatment
Rifampicin is a first-line drug for tuberculosis (TB), a major public health concern in India. TB is highly contagious and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality due to secondary opportunistic infections. Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of Rifampicin is critical to treating patients and preventing disease transmission.
A government official stated, “To eliminate TB effectively, we must ensure a consistent supply of essential first-line anti-tubercular drugs like Rifampicin.” In the financial year 2023-24, India imported Rifampicin worth Rs 77 crore.
Other Essential Drugs Set for Commissioning
In addition to Rifampicin, the government plans to commission Prednisolone, Betamethasone, and Dexamethasone this year. These drugs play crucial roles in treating various medical conditions:
- Prednisolone and Dexamethasone help manage asthma, allergies, and immune disorders. With 3.5 crore Indians suffering from asthma, rising pollution has exacerbated the problem.
- Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, but supply shortages posed challenges.
- Betamethasone is crucial for managing premature labor and improving lung maturity in pre-term babies.
All three drugs are listed in the National List of Essential Medicines, highlighting their importance in India’s healthcare system.
Strengthening Domestic Drug Production
To secure a steady supply of these essential medicines, Natural Biogenex Private Limited is establishing production facilities in Tumkur, Karnataka. These projects will have an annual capacity of 10-15 metric tons for Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, and Betamethasone. Once fully operational, the production is expected to contribute Rs 150 crore annually to India’s pharmaceutical industry. This move will bolster self-reliance, support the economy, and reduce dependency on imports.
Boosting Fermentation Technology for Bulk Drugs
The government is enhancing fermentation technology under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Bulk Drugs. Despite being the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume, India relies heavily on imports for critical bulk drugs, which are essential components of many medicines.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, reinforcing the need for self-reliance. In response, the government launched the PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs, aiming to reduce import dependence and boost domestic production of key pharmaceutical ingredients.
Government’s Progress Under the PLI Scheme
As reported by msn, the PLI scheme has already shown results. So far, The government has completed 34 projects with an investment of over Rs 4,200 crore. These projects focus on manufacturing critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) that India previously relied on imports for. Key developments include:
- Production of Penicillin-G, a crucial component in antibiotics.
- Manufacturing of Clavulanic Acid, used to combat antimicrobial-resistant infections.
Challenges in Fermentation-Based Drug Manufacturing
Experts highlight that fermentation-based drug production is more complex than chemical-based manufacturing. India has historically depended on imports for fermentation-based APIs, making the current initiatives critical for achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
With these strategic efforts, India is moving closer to reducing import dependence and strengthening its pharmaceutical sector, ensuring a stable supply of essential medicines for its population.