NEW DELHI: Union health minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday held a meeting of representatives of pharma companies to review availability of essential medicines in the country following an outbreak in neighbouring China.
“Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the status, adequacy of Covid management drugs and production capacities with representatives of pharma companies through a VC (video conference), here today, so that India is equipped to effectively handle any situation. This review meeting was taken in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases in some countries worldwide,” said Union ministry of health and family welfare in a statement.
The minister was briefed regarding the evolving global scenario. The health minister appreciated and congratulated the pharma companies for their invaluable contribution during the COVID pandemic in the country.
“India’s pharmaceutical industry is robust, resilient and responsive. It is due to their strength that we could not only meet our down demand during the pandemic, but also be in a position to supply medicines to 150 countries,” said Mandaviya during the meeting.
This was achieved without any fall in quality or a hike in the price of medicines, he added.
According to the health ministry, the pharma companies were also told to keep a close watch on the global supply chain scenario.
“They were also asked to closely monitor production and availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) as well as formulations of essential medicines for Covid management. They were asked to ensure adequate stocks and availability of all drugs including COVID drugs in the supply chain up to the retail level. They expressed confidence that they will be able to manage the supply chain of Covid drugs,” said the health ministry statement.
Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan, secretary (pharma) S Aparna, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority chairman Kamlesh Pant, drugs controller general of India Dr VG Somani, were among those present at the meeting.
