Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (India) - Department of Pharmaceuticals

Department of Pharmaceuticals

The cabinet Secretariat on 2 July 2008, has notified creation of a new Department under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers with the objective to give greater focus and thrust on the development of Pharmaceutical Sector in the country and to regulate various complex issues related to pricing and availability of medicines at affordable prices, research & development, protection of intellectual property rights and international commitments related to pharmaceutical sector which require integration of work with other ministries. There is also need for better coordination in the areas of pharmaceutical R&D and education and for international cooperation in these areas.

All the drugs and pharmaceuticals, unless specifically allotted to any other department, would come under the purview of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The main functions and responsibilities of the Department are as follows:

1. All matters relating to NPPA including its functions of price control and monitoring.

2. Responsible for the drugs and pharmaceuticals, excluding those specifically allotted to other departments, and for the development of infrastructure, manpower and skills for the pharmaceutical sector

3. Work for the promotion and coordination of basic, applied and other research in areas related to the pharmaceutical sector and for international co-operation in pharmaceutical research.

4. Entrusted with the task of maintaining inter-sectoral coordination between organizations and institutes, both under Central and State Governments, related to areas concerning the subject.

5. To deal with all matters relating to planning, development and control of, and assistance to, all industries in the pharmaceutical segment.

6. All the Government owned drug manufacturing units such as Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Hindustan Antibiotics, Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals and Rajasthan Drugs & Pharmaceuticals would be placed under the department.

7. All matters relating to National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Education and training including high-end research and grant of fellowships in India and abroad, exchange of information and technical guidance on all matters relating to pharmaceutical sector.

8. Technical support for dealing with national hazards in pharmaceutical sector.

9. Promotion of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in pharmaceutical related areas.

Shri Ashok Kumar, an I.A.S. officer of 1974 Batch (Bihar Cadre) has been appointed as the first Secretary in the newly created Department of Pharmaceuticals.