New Delhi, Feb 19 (KNN) Not only China but the whole world is fighting with the impact of Coronavirus. Every other country in the world is taking various safety measures to fight this deadly virus. Government of India has constituted a task force keeping in view the country’s over-dependence on import of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

The Task Force on APIs are constituted under the chairmanship of Minister of State for shipping (I/C) and Chemical & Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya to formulate a road map for the enhanced production of APIs in the country.

The 5th meeting of the Task Force was held today. Several important issues were discussed regarding policy relaxations to small, medium and large API units and also simplification of the process for environment clearance for production and availability of medicines.

In the meeting, Mansukh Mandaviya took stock of the situation of availability of drugs and medicines. The Industry Representatives has explained thoroughly to Mansukh Mandaviya that they have enough drugs and medicines to deal with any contingency arising out of the impact of Coronavirus.

They ensured that there will be no shortage of any Drugs, APIs, and Medicines in the coming days in India.

During the meeting, the challenges faced by the Pharmaceutical Industry in obtaining Environment Clearance was also discussed.

The representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has stated that steps are being taken to expedite Environment Clearances and also mentioned that recently MoEF&CC has modified the guidelines so that there is no need to obtain separate Environment Clearance, if the production of the Pharma unit is increased by 50%. (KNN/SS)

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