Government Asks Pharma Companies To Monitor Stock

Mumbai: The government has asked pharmaceutical companies to monitor stocks of raw materials and drugs closely, but did not propose an export ban. In a meeting on Wednesday between NITI Aayog officials, company representatives, and industry bodies like IDMA and IPA discussed measures that could give impetus to API formulation in the country, a company official said. In the wake of supply constraints due to the coronavirus outbreak, a ban on crucial APIs for antibiotics and vitamins was widely expected.

Recently, major companies said they have stocks for two-three months, and shortages of key raw materials may arise if the crisis in China extends beyond March. There was a discussion on speeding up environmental clearances to pharma plants, which are being held up in several states.-Times Of India