After establishing a ‘Cyber City’ in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has set into motion a plan to set up a ‘Pharma City’ in the port town of Vishakhapatnam. By providing world-class infrastructure in the ‘Pharma City’, the state government hopes to attract global pharmaceutical companies to the city for outsourcing about 400 drugs in the post-patent regime by 2005. The ‘Pharma City’ will be developed by private companies in collaboration with the state government.
Naidu has formed a task force on pharmaceuticals to draw up a detailed plan for infrastructure development so that Indian and international pharmaceutical companies can undertake research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing and marketing in a world-class environment. The state government has 1,900 acres of land in the first phase. Additional 3500 acres of land will be added to the project in the second phase.The aim in setting up a ‘Pharma City’ at the port town of Vishakhapatnam is to cater to the needs of global outsourcing in manufacturing of $90 billion generic drugs. Pharma City will take all environment protection measures following global standards. It will also provide single window clearance to entrepreneurs who wish to set up a manufacturing base.
The state has the potential to become the main manufacturing base for various bulk drugs and generics. What the 'Pharma City' needs is strong infrastructure support from the government and hassle-free atmosphere for promotion of pharmaceutical industry.
