Goa insulates Pharma industry of State from political & union interferences under ESMA Act

Panaji, July 7 (KNN) The industry bodies in Goa have welcomed the government’s move to impose the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) for pharmaceutical companies operating in state.

Invoking ESMA will ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and healthcare services while it will also deter political and union interference in the manufacturing sector, the industry bodies said.

At present, the pharmaceutical sector in Goa contributes over 12 per cent in the country’s production.

As per reports, Goa pharmaceutical manufacturers’ association (GPMA) had approached the state government to request “necessary protection” from political and union-related challenges that were troubling the pharmaceutical manufacturing units. 

“We are glad that in a significant development, the government of Goa has announced the enforcement of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1988 (ESMA) for pharmaceutical companies operating in the state of Goa,” said the joint statement issued by GPMA, Goa state industries’ association (GSIA) and Verna industries’ association (VIA).

ESMA empowers the government to regulate the functioning of essential services in times of emergencies, strikes, or disruption of operations. Under the ESMA Act, pharmaceutical companies will be required to adhere to specific guidelines and directives issued by the government. These guidelines are aimed at streamlining operations, ensuring the availability of essential drugs, and preventing any disruptions in supply.

KNN Bureau