India is the importer of drugs from China, now it’s time to reduce that import dependence we are in stage to evolve range of bulk drugs. 

According to G N Singh, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI); India has adequate ability for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

While India is importing drugs from China in large quantity, we are exporting to most of the developed markets including EU, US and Japan.

 “So there is capacity, excepting some of the molecules, where we are working, so that (import) dependency may also be reduced.Threfore, in due course of time that threat would not be there”. Singh said

India's bulk drug imports from top five countries stood at Rs. 18,372.54 crore in 2016-17 with China accounting for 66 per cent. 

The country's import of APIs from China stood at Rs. 12,254.97 crore in 2016-17, while that from the US was at Rs.820.18 crore. 

As per DCGI, India has both capacity and capability to produce APIs although production of some of the bulk drugs was curtailed, driven by market dynamics.

"If need arises, the industry, the regulator, the scientific fraternity and the government are ready to meet the challenges," Singh said. 

The regulator is constantly engaged with the industry on ways to address the issue, he added. 

"It is an issue but not something, which cannot be solved," Singh said. 

The challenges are faced by Indian pharmaceutical industry in terms of scrutiny by regulators from across the world.

Singh Commented on these regulations “It is good. When you are growing, you should be ready for scrutiny and when other regulators are coming it gives opportunity to address our weakness and convert it into strength." 

The industry should take it as an opportunity, he added.