Pharma MSMEs to Benefit from Revamped PTUAS, Says DoP Secretary Chawla

Dr Arunish Chawla, secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), highlighted this progress during the 9th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit held in Mumbai.

In a significant development for India's pharmaceutical MSMEs, the revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) is set to usher in substantial transformations, revealed Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) secretary Dr Arunish Chawla.

Dr Chawla, highlighted this progress during the 9th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit held in Mumbai.

The PTUAS scheme aims to bolster MSMEs by providing financial assistance to enhance manufacturing facilities and adopt international standards of good manufacturing practices.

Talking about it, Dr Chawla said, "Many companies have come forward after conducting the gap analysis, showing readiness to upgrade their technology and infrastructure."

Reportedly, the first tranche of applications under the revamped PTUAS will be approved next week.

Government Initiatives & Future Prospects

Addressing quality standards, Dr Chawla remarked, "Next year will witness a significant transformation as many pharma MSMEs align their operations with upgraded standards, reinforcing India's commitment to 'Zero defect and Zero effect.'"

The summit also saw the release of IPA's Best Practices Guideline on Good Engineering Practices and Process Analytical Tools, emphasizing stringent quality measures essential for the pharmaceutical industry's integrity.

Furthermore, recent developments within the Department of Pharmaceuticals include the expansion of the Committee for Drugs and Medical Devices, which aims to reform the pricing framework to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

Union Minister for Health, Chemicals, and Fertilizers JP Nadda recently chaired a review meeting focusing on elevating quality standards across all drug and medical device manufacturing plants in India. This initiative aligns with the government's vision to achieve world-class standards and maintain global competitiveness in the healthcare sector.

With audits slated to commence in July 2024, India aims to bolster its reputation as a producer of high-quality pharmaceutical products, surpassing WHO GMP standards in various areas.

According to the DoP secretary, the revamped PTUAS is poised to advance the pharmaceutical MSME sector in India significantly, reflecting a strategic move towards enhancing technological capabilities and adhering to global quality benchmarks.