An Industry in Transition: The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

405-415 A brief description of Indian pharmaceutical industry, including public health and health infrastructure, is given. The global healthcare research efforts in general and pharmaceutical R&D in particular are outlined. All aspects of Indian pharmaceutical industry, including the impact of Indian Patents Act, 1970, on it, are discussed in detail. Concerns of all sectors on post 1 January 2005, when India adopts a product patent regime are presented. How stronger patent rights will affect Indian pharmaceutical industry is explained and the possible emerging scenario in coming years is given. Preparing for new realities a few suggestions are given. Need for an appropriate strategy to meet the new challenges is felt. Realizing the fact that TRIPS Agreement strengthens patent rights in most developing countries, stress on innovative R&D in pharmaceutical industry is given.