NEW DELHI: Pharma exports from India are expected to witness a 17-20% surge this fiscal touching $12 billion mark compared to last year’s figure of $10.3 billion, according to a Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) report.

Of the Pharma products exported to various countries, generic drugs were accounted for 58% while active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and ayurvedic/herbal/neutraceuticals were accounted for 40% and 2%, respectively. With US being the largest export destination for India UK, Germany, South Africa and Russia too import drugs from Indian companies.

According to Pricewaterhouse by 2020 the pharmaceutical market is expected to be worth $1.3 trillion as the E7 countries — Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey - account for one fifth of international pharmaceutical sales.

Pharmexcil has also said that it has started to receive comments on the new European directive that mandates necessary certification by the Indian authorities that the export-oriented drugs follow EU rules.

Indian pharma industry

Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has made phenomenal progress over the years and made its impact in the global market. Indian Pharmaceutical industry has been recognised as reliable source for drugs and drug intermediates, pharmaceutical formulations. Tremendous opportunities are available for Indian Pharma industry in post 2005 era to manufacture and export many products getting off-patented. Its immense strength in manufacturing quality medicines at affordable prices made the Indian Pharma industry to compete both in regulated and non-regulated markets.

Apart from its strengths in manufacturing and exporting allopathic medicines, India is known for its own systems of medicines with about 7000 units manufacturing various Indian system of medicines viz., Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy etc. Though strong in cultivation/manufacture of Indian system of medicines, India’s share in the global herbal market, estimated at US$ 63 billion, is less than 0.2%, which shows that there is a tremendous scope for export market.

Fast growing Biotech industry estimated at about US$ 2 billion market, is a another part of Indian Pharma industry in India, which has great potential in the international market and which needs focused attention to improve its performance in the international market.

Pharmexcil

The dynamic growth of Indian Pharma Industry, a knowledge based industry, and the recommendations of four major Pharma associations made the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to realize the need for separate export promotion council. Accordingly, Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL) has been set up in 2004.

The activities of the Council are administered by Committee of Administration consisting of representatives from major Pharma industries in India like J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited, Suven Life Sciences Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Luipin, Ranbaxy, Novarties, Avantis, Ipca, Shasun, Sun Pharma, Zydus Cadila, Glowchem, Calyx etc., apart from Govt. officials from Central govt. and Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. Administrative support to the Council is extended by very rich experienced personnel from various fields like Govt. of India and Pharma industry.