Govt revamps pharma scheme, expands scope to aid drug companies
NEW DELHI: The Department of Pharmaceuticals has revamped a scheme which entails financial assistance to drug companies to help them upgrade their facilities to produce medicines conforming to global standards, an official release said on Monday.
As per the revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS), the government has expanded the scope of the initiative beyond MSMEs to include any pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with a turnover of less than Rs 500 crore that requires technology and quality upgradation, the Chemicals and Fertilisers ministry said in a statement.
Preference however remains for MSMEs, supporting smaller players in achieving high-quality manufacturing standards, it added. The revamped scheme also introduces more flexible financing options, emphasising subsidies on reimbursement basis, over traditional credit-linked approach.
This flexibility is designed to diversify the financing options of the participating units, facilitating a more widespread adoption of the scheme. Besides, in alignment with revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards, it now supports a broader range of technological upgrades, the ministry said. Eligible activities include improvements such as HVAC systems, water and steam utilities, testing laboratories, stability chambers, clean room facilities, effluent treatment, waste management etc. ensuring comprehensive support for participating units, it added.
Similarly, the revised scheme allows integration with state government schemes, enabling units to benefit from additional top-up assistance.
This collaborative approach aims to maximise support for the
The revised guideline aims to assist the pharma sector’s upgradation to the Revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards
pharmaceutical industry in their technology upgradation efforts, as per the statement.
The scheme also introduces a robust verification mechanism through a project management agency, ensuring transparency, accountability and the efficient allocation of resources, it added.
The revised guideline aims to support the pharmaceutical industry’s upgradation to the Revised Schedule-M and WHOGMP standards, enhancing the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products manufactured in the country, the ministry stated.