The Madras High Court has sought a reply from the central government on a petition by a
pharmaceutical firm, seeking more preference to indigenous cancer drug-manufacturers than those from China.
The petitioner, Vinkem Labs Ltd, submitted that an overwhelming dependence on drugs and raw materials from China, particularly for cancer, could prove harmful to the health sector in India.
The city-based company said a preference has to be given to indigenous manufacturers in procurement of cancer drugs and ensuring self-reliance for seven critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) molecules in cancer treatment, including common cancers in women and children.
Stating that every 13th cancer patient in the world is an Indian, the petitioner said two women succumb to the disease every 10 minutes, while 50 children die every day.
"By 2030, the number of women patients estimated to be diagnosed with cancer will be equal to that of the population of Denmark. The age bracket of patients afflicted with cancer is getting younger. We can ill afford to forgo our self-reliance and world class facilities, especially at this juncture," the petitioner said.
The company said India relies heavily on China for import of APIs, despite the availability of domestic manufacturers with world class expertise and facility.
In 2014, then national security advisor had sounded a caution on the issue, following which an expert committee was formed to suggest remedies, the petitioner said.
Based on the recommendations of the committee, the government declared 2015 as the 'Year of Indian AIPs' and vowed to implement the suggestions within 100 days, besides constituting a separate ministry for pharmaceuticals. However nothing had materialised so far, the company said.
Admitting the plea, Justice N Kirubakaran suo motu impleaded secretary of department of scientific and industrial research, Ministry of Science and Technology, and directed it to file a response.
Considering the petitioner's plea, the department said it was continuing to operate the 12th Five Year Plan scheme on 'Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research and Technology Development' in 2017.
Submitting that the scheme supports ingenious work and assists in development of new technologies or creative/innovative application of existing technologies to meet the needs of the industry, the department suggested that the petitioner apply for funds to expand its operation under the scheme.
Taking note of the suggestion, the judge directed the petitioner to submit an application to the department and said the court should be informed of the outcome.
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