New Delhi, April 14 : on Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said the pharmaceutical industry has a vital role to play in realising the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The Minister made the statement while addressing ‘Indian Pharma – Global Health Care’ event to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) in Mumbai. Recalling the contribution of the pharma sector, Mandaviya said that the Indian pharma industry has earned the country the honour of being referred to as the ‘pharmacy of the world.’ The Minister underlined how government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been benefiting the sector. “Through PLI scheme, the government has tried to reduce imports by encouraging domestic manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The scheme has led to initiate production of more than 35 products in India,” he said. He further said, “Government is helping industry by amending Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and promoting ease of doing business. We are involving the industry in decision-making processes. Also, through a series of webinars, the government has tried to reach out and consult industry and other stakeholders on the implementation of on Budget provisions.” Mandaviya exhorted the pharmaceutical sector to prepare a long term plan for the next 25 years. Citing that the government does not view the health sector as a profit-making industry, the Minister said, “When we export medicines, we do it with an attitude of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. During the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic, India supplied medicines to 125 countries.” DS RKM