The Indian Pharmaceutical Sector

The Indian pharmaceutical market ranks as the world's third largest in terms of volume, and has been growing at an annual rate of over 10 per cent over the last decade. Pharmaceutical policy in India is perceived primarily from an industrial perspective rather than a health sector priority, and is governed by a complex variety of laws and policies. This report reviews recent policy initiatives and their economic and health sector implications. It considers the profound gap that exists between the benefits which pharmaceuticals have to offer, and the reality that for millions of poor people in India medicines are often unaffordable, unsafe or improperly used. The report outlines some strategic options that could strengthen India's ability to ensure the availability, affordability, quality and rational use of essential medicines on a sustainable basis, using a mix of public and private sector resources.