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Exploring Bulk Drugs and the Role of Bulk Drug Parks

A Comprehensive Overview of Bulk Drug Manufacturing in India

Exploring Bulk Drugs and the Role of Bulk Drug Parks

  • 19 Apr, 2024
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What are Bulk Drugs?

Bulk Drugs, also referred to as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), are the essential components of a medication. They are responsible for delivering the therapeutic effects or intended pharmacological activity that a drug promises to provide.

What is a Bulk Drug Park?

A Bulk Drug Park is a designated area that offers shared infrastructure facilities for the production of bulk drugs. These parks are designed to foster a robust ecosystem for bulk drug manufacturing within the nation, significantly reducing production costs.

Purpose of the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks

The primary objective of the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks is to bolster the production of bulk drugs within the country. It offers financial assistance to states to establish these parks, aiming to lower manufacturing costs by developing world-class common infrastructure facilities supported by the Central Government. This initiative seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic bulk drug industry.

States with 'In-Principle' Approval for Bulk Drug Parks

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has granted 'in-principle' approval for the establishment of Bulk Drug Parks in Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. This approval is a pivotal step towards enhancing drug manufacturing capabilities in these states.

Financial Outlay of the Scheme

Notified in 2020, the scheme has an allocated financial outlay of Rs. 3,000 crores. This funding is crucial in facilitating the establishment and development of essential infrastructure for bulk drug manufacturing.

Financial Assistance Under the Scheme

Under this scheme, financial assistance for the proposed Bulk Drug Park in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh is set at 70% of the project cost for common infrastructure facilities. For Himachal Pradesh, due to its mountainous terrain, the financial support increases to 90% of the project cost. The maximum assistance available for any single Bulk Drug Park is capped at Rs. 1,000 crores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are Bulk Drugs?
Answer: Bulk Drugs, or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), are the primary components in medications that provide their therapeutic effects.

Q2. What is the significance of Bulk Drug Parks?
Answer: Bulk Drug Parks are specialized zones aimed at developing infrastructure for bulk drug manufacturing, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.

Q3. Which states have been approved for Bulk Drug Parks?
Answer: Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have received 'in-principle' approval for establishing Bulk Drug Parks as part of the initiative.

Q4. What is the financial support provided for these parks?
Answer: Financial assistance is 70% of the project cost in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, while Himachal Pradesh receives 90% due to its geographical challenges.

Q5. What is the total financial outlay for the scheme?
Answer: The scheme has a total financial outlay of Rs. 3,000 crores, aimed at establishing the necessary infrastructure for bulk drug manufacturing.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What are Bulk Drugs also known as?
A) Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
B) Generic Drugs
C) Over-the-Counter Medicines
D) Herbal Supplements
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: Which state received 'in-principle' approval for a Bulk Drug Park?
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What percentage of financial assistance is provided to Himachal Pradesh?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is the total financial outlay of the Bulk Drug Park scheme?
A) Rs. 1,000 crores
B) Rs. 2,000 crores
C) Rs. 3,000 crores
D) Rs. 4,000 crores
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What is the primary aim of Bulk Drug Parks?
A) To create new drugs
B) To reduce manufacturing costs
C) To promote herbal medicine
D) To increase drug prices
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a state with approved Bulk Drug Parks?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Gujarat
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Punjab
Correct Answer: D

Question 7: The financial assistance for Bulk Drug Parks aims to enhance which industry sector?
A) Technology
B) Pharmaceutical
C) Agriculture
D) Education
Correct Answer: B

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