Drugs and Pharmaceutical Industry plays a vital role in the economic development of a nation. On a global platform, India is the fourth largest producer of pharmaceuticals in terms of volume and thirteenth in terms of value of production. The annual turnover was around US $ 17 billion (over Rs.68, 000 crores) during 2006-07 and is estimated to grow by over Rs. 1, 00,000 crore in formulations and bulk drug production in 2010. The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry employs around 500,000 people. It’s a highly fragmented market with around 20,000 production units. The industry is capable to meet the country’s demand for every drug. The manufacturing units within the country are meeting about 80% of the country’s drug requirements at a relatively lower cost compared to international brands.

With low cost of production of quality bulk drugs and formulations, low R&D costs, strong scientific, innovative and technical manpower, excellent and world-class national laboratories, efficient and cost effective source for procuring generic drugs, especially the drugs going off patent in the next few years, fast growing biotech industry which has great potential in the international market, the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has great opportunity for growth. Other than domestic sales, India exports bulk drugs to more than 200 countries around the globe including highly regulated markets of US, Europe, Japan and Australia. India has the largest number of USFDA approved plants for generic manufacture. Indian Pharmaceutical companies have been getting international regulatory approvals for their plants from agencies like USFDA (USA), MHRA (UK), TGA (Australia), MCC (South Africa), Health Canada, etc. which enables them to expand their market to various countries. Some of the leading Indian companies are now seeking Abbreviated New Drug Approvals (ANDAs) in USA in specialized segments like anti infective, cardiovascular and central nervous system groups which will further boost their sales in this segment. Overall, the future of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry looks extremely positive.

As the country is progressing towards 2010, there is an increase in debates related to public health care option. The ruling party sees it as the only way to reduce the huge economic disparity in our healthcare system. A recent study, done by an independent media house, states that greater number of people are ready to support public health system that the last few months. People at all socio economic levels want to give health their first priority and are willing to give a monthly amount in favour of it.

The respondents to this survey, which was published in a leading national weekly, voiced strong concern about class-based disparities and urged government to intervene and resolve the issue on immediate basis.

On the flipside, over sixty five percent of the respondents believed the racially-based disparities (primarily between Hindu-Muslims and Christians) were a result of selfish interests of those few people who believe in breaking the country into pieces to live in peace. As a result, there are many communities, that can afford better healthcare for itself choose to remain in shambles and depend on local hakims to treat their children for any shortcoming in health.

This habit led people to sideline themselves from the benefits of the main economy and chose to protest when the country moved ahead. They have created racially-based disparities and are more resistant to government-based solutions and do not extend much support of policy proposals aiming to eliminate health and other disparities.

Obesity has become a growing concern in India and has triggered growth of a unique market for obese people. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20 percent or more above normal weight. Though India’s obesity level is around 8 percent as compared to 25 percent in US and 15 percent in Europe, the problem has to be addressed now before the condition worsens. Consumption of processed foods due to lack of time for preparing wholesome meals, increased consumption of energy rich foods with nutrient poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, sedentary lifestyle, over-eating and metabolic errors are some of the causes leading to obesity. Indians are more susceptible to weight accumulation especially around the waist. Women especially are more prone to being over weight. Lack of exercise is a prime reason for many Indian women being over weight.

It’s estimated by Third National Family Health Survey that Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh tops in the obesity level compared to other states. Children who are glued to television sets with lack of physical activity and in some double income families where there is no time to prepare healthy wholesome meals leads to consumption of more processed foods or fast foods. This leads to child or adolescent obesity. There is a new term emerging called “recession obesity”. Due to recession, people have started opting to stay at home and watch television instead of going out (which eventually leads to spending more money) and also resorting to consumption fast foods which results in weight gain and in turn in obesity.

Obesity has created a new market called anti-obesity market. In India, anti-obesity market is estimated to be over Rs 1,800 Crore, according to leading management consulting organization Technopak Advisors. This overall market—comprising fitness centres/gymnasiums, slimming services, food supplements and ayurveda treatments—is projected to grow at a rate of 13 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2010. Unless a joint effort is taken by Government, schools and Corporate to combat obesity, India could soon be joining on par with US and UK in obesity levels.