Import of bulk drug and API’s from China stood at  Rs 25,551 crore in FY23

India imported around 4,02,111 MT from various countries worth Rs 36,229 crore of bulk drug and drug intermediates.  Out of total imports from various countries, around 3,00,120 MT worth Rs 25,551 crore was imported only from China in FY23, MoS Chemical & Fertilizer told the parliament. However, India exported Bulk Drug and Drug Intermediates worth Rs 37,853 Cr. in FY 2022-23. China is one of the largest producers of KSMs and APIs in the world. The quantity and the value of Bulk Drug and Drug Intermediates. 

The minister also highlighted the efforts taken by the government for making India self-reliant in manufacturing of API’s.  He said that under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India, with a financial outlay of Rs. 6,940 crores and the tenure from FY 2020-2021 to FY 2029-30, under which financial incentive is given for manufacturing of 41 identified products. 

Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, with a financial outlay Rs. 15,000 crores and the tenure from FY 2020- 2021 to FY 2028-29, provides for financial incentive to 55 selected applicants for manufacturing of identified products under three categories for a period of six years. “The eligible products under the scheme cover APIs/KSMs/Dis, except for the 41 eligible products already covered under the “Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs) / Drug Intermediates (DIs) / Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India.”

Also, the minister also highlighted the scheme for promotion of bulk Drug Parks, with a financial outlay of Rs. 3,000 crores and the tenure from FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-25, provides for financial assistance to three States for establishing Bulk Drug Parks. “The Department had received proposals from 13 States. After evaluation of the proposals as per prescribed criteria, the approval was accorded to the proposal of setting up Bulk Drug Parks in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh,” he said.