India’s position as the "Pharmacy to the World" is under threat due to a significant influx of substandard Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and non-pharmacopoeia grade IPA, primarily imported from China. This alarming trend raises serious concerns about public health and the nation’s reputation as a global provider of high-quality, affordable medicines.
As a critical solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmacopoeia-grade IPA ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical supplies. However, the growing use of substandard IPA threatens the quality of pharmaceutical products, with Chinese imports now accounting for 64 per cent of India’s IPA supply in FY 2023, up from 57 per cent in FY 2020.
"India's reputation as a global provider of affordable, high-quality medicines is at stake," said Vikas Biyani, an expert associated with the Food and Drug Administration. He warned that the use of non-pharmacopoeia grade IPA jeopardises the safety and efficacy of life-saving drugs, posing a significant public health risk.
The unchecked influx of low-cost, substandard IPA has also undermined India’s self-reliance efforts under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Local producers are struggling to compete with the underpriced imports, threatening their production capacities and financial sustainability.
"India’s journey towards Atmanirbharta in the pharmaceutical sector is severely affected if the influx of substandard IPA continues unchecked," Biyani added. He likened the situation to the collapse of Penicillin-G production in the early 2010s, which led to dependency on imports, price hikes, and supply disruptions.
To address the issue, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese IPA imports. Experts see this as a vital intervention to stabilise prices, safeguard jobs, and ensure the availability of quality inputs for domestic pharmaceutical production.
"The DGTR’s recommendation is a critical step," stated Biyani. "It will strengthen Atmanirbharta in the pharmaceutical sector, uphold public health safety, and reinforce India’s position as a global pharmaceutical leader. Swift implementation by the government is essential to prevent long-term damage to the sector."
With India’s pharmaceutical exports valued at Rs 2.32 trillion in FY 2022-23, protecting the quality of input materials is crucial. Supporting domestic industries and curbing substandard imports will ensure that India continues to provide safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines to the world, aligning with its vision of self-reliance in healthcare manufacturing.
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