Intervention of MHA for uninterrupted pharma ancillary supplies sought by DoP

Under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to intervene and instruct the state authorities to allow seamless supplies of ancillary materials for finished pharma formulations and courier services in the country.

A letter written by the Secretary of DoP to the Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, mentions that due to nationwide lockdown because of Coronavirus (Covid-19), apart from challenges in transportation and availability of workforce, there are two major issues; ancillary supplies and courier services, which may result in impacting the pharma production.

Ancillary Supplies includes packaging material, excipients, which required for manufacturing tablets and capsules, utility consumables like briquettes/ gasses (required to run boilers) and spare parts are not able to operate/ supply as many times these items are not reconised by local authorities/ police force as an essential commodities and services.

Similarly, the operation of courier services is very important aspect in the pharma supply chain. Although in some metro cities the courier services have resumed, however it still remains badly affected in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. The despatches from carrying and forwarding (C&F) agents to stockists have become big challenge.

“Due to Covid-19 lockdown in the country, pharma companies are finding difficulties in finding raw materials and packaging materials. Although, the production activities have started more or less in all units, but due to unavailability of packaging materials, we (pharma companies) will not be able to produce the finished products (medicines).said ”SV Veeramani, Chairman and Managing Director, Fourrts Laboratories.

He further said that, “If these operational issues are not resolved timely, then it will lead to a medicine shortage in the country in a month’s time.”

Replying the letters, BR Sikri Chairman, FOPE said, ” During the lockdown period in the country because of Covid-19, the government is taking very proactive actions/measures ensuring the seamless supply of essential commodities/services in the country. The moment they receive any concern or query from the Industry, immediately they deliberate with themselves and discuss with various state government authorities and senior officials and try to resolve it. So we see, slowly or gradually all the ancillary units also becoming operational.”

M Madan Mohan Reddy, Director, Aurobindo Pharma, informs that “For all our ancillary suppliers, we have issued a letter by taking a permission from the local police authorities allowing them for moment of goods, considering them part of essential service providers category. Hence, we do not face any problem in this regard. The measures been taken by the Aurobindo Pharma for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of raw materials and packaging materials”, he further said.

However, he also cites his other concern over Nizamuddin case. He said that it is likely that in the future, we will see low attendance record of workforce happening, as local authorities are sealing the entire village/locality, wherever they record the Covid-19 positive cases, which will restrict the workforce coming to factories.

“Despite being listed under the Essentials category, the operations at our facility has been suffering largely due to the unavailability of technical maintenance and servicing staff. There are various equipment within a factory that needs regular technical support such as utility equipment like chillers and compressors. Travel restrictions imposed during the ongoing 21-day lockdown has made it difficult for these service professionals to provide us with the necessary support. We urge the government to look into the issue and enable us run our factories at full capacity thereby supporting the ongoing efforts of the global pharmaceutical industry.” said S R Shivshankar, CEO, ACG Films & Foils.

Selwyn Noronha, CEO, ACG Capsules, said, “Courier services for local and international destinations have been severely hit thereby leading to an adverse impact on the supply chain of pharmaceutical companies globally. While we at ACG, are doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the increased pharmaceutical demands, the delay in courier puts our efforts on the backfoot. Given the prevailing exigencies, air shipments need to be immediately scaled up.”

The letter significantly highlights that if the courier services in tier 1 and tier 2 cities not become operational soon then it will have a huge impact on the availability of medicines in those cities as well as in rural areas of the country.

  • Related Posts

    • Health
    • February 10, 2024
    • 11 views
    Appointment of CEO packs a Punch in NeuroEqulibrium’s Global Goal

    New Delhi: The ambition of NeuroEquilibrium gets a shot in the arm with the appointment of industry vetran Samit Verma as its CEO (Chief Executive Officer). Its global aspiration will…

    Millets reigned Supreme in International Symposium on Gut Health

    New Delhi: Millets reign supreme as gut health assumes most important aspect of the latest preventive and curative healthcare approach. This fact was writ large on Symposium on ‘Gut Health…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Spurious drugs: Maiden Pharma blacklisted, all contracts cancelled

    Spurious drugs: Maiden Pharma blacklisted, all contracts cancelled

    DCC Calls For Strict Implementation Of Revised Schedule M, State-Level Activities To Address AMR

    DCC Calls For Strict Implementation Of Revised Schedule M, State-Level Activities To Address AMR

    Sanofi, Cipla Join Hands To Expand Reach Of CNS Portfolio In India

    Sanofi, Cipla Join Hands To Expand Reach Of CNS Portfolio In India

    Cyberabad Police Seize 1 Kg Alprazolam, Arrest Three

    Cyberabad Police Seize 1 Kg Alprazolam, Arrest Three

    Lee Health develops natural capsule for effective Heart care

    Lee Health develops natural capsule for effective Heart care

    Medical Shop Run By Twenty20 In Kizhakkambalam Asked To Shut Down

    Medical Shop Run By Twenty20 In Kizhakkambalam Asked To Shut Down