Dearth of technical manpower constraint in Pharma industry

Barrackpore, Mar 29 (UNI) The dearth of technical manpower in the pharmaceutical industry has become a major constraint in meeting the demand of pharma products in West Bengal, State Drug Control Director Saroj Kumar Roy Chowdhury observed here today.

Addressing a symposium on ''Pharmaceutical Science Future options: Industry, Academic and Research'' at Panihati in North 24 Paragans Dr Roy Chowdhury said all the 150 pharmaceutical companies in the state could meet only 0.14 per cent of the demand whereas the requirement was of Rs 3,500 crores.

He said the government had already taken initiatives to open at least 13 colleges so that qualified professionals could help to meeting the challenges.

He also indicated that need of chemical drugs might be reduced substantially in next three to four decades with the rapid development of genetic drugs.

Earlier, the Dean of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Prof Sanjay Biswas observed that the pharmaceutical industry in the country had been facing problems following globalisation despite presence of the 1970 Patent Act.

He also referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's vision to become a global player through the 11th plan, that alloted double amount of funds to increase the GNP from one to two per cent in science and technology.

Mr Roy Chowdhary also stressed incorporation of traditional Indian pharmacy with present science and technology.

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