Rifampicin, an essential drug used for treating Tuberculosis (TB) and serious bacterial infections, is expected to be commissioned later this year, with production at an advanced stage of execution, according to official sources.

Key Highlights
Rifampicin's Role in TB Treatment

• Rifampicin is a crucial component of the first-line treatment for Tuberculosis (TB), a significant health priority in India due to its high prevalence.

• Effective medication not only treats patients but also prevents further spread of the contagious disease, contributing to India's ongoing TB elimination goals.

Current Status & Expected Timeline

• Rifampicin is expected to be commissioned later this year as part of an effort to ensure a consistent supply of essential medicines.

• During FY2023-24, India imported Rifampicin worth ₹77 crore, indicating its vital role in public health.

Other Critical Drugs Expected to Be Commissioned

• Other important medicines such as Prednisolone, Betamethasone, and Dexamethasone—used for treating asthma, allergies, immune disorders, and supporting pre-term babies—are also set to be commissioned this year.

• Prednisolone and Dexamethasone are part of India's National List of Essential Medicines, highlighting their importance for healthcare.

Production Plans Under PLI Scheme

• Natural Biogenex Private Limited is setting up production facilities for Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, and Betamethasone in Karnataka, expected to ensure domestic supply worth ₹150 crore annually, significantly enhancing India's self-reliance in this crucial drug class.

Fermentation Technology in Bulk Drugs

• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for bulk drugs is fostering India's self-reliance in essential medicines by enhancing fermentation technology capabilities, which are vital for producing critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

• India's pharmaceutical industry, the third-largest globally, has been addressing its dependency on imported bulk drugs, especially those used in the production of antibiotics and essential medicines.

Statements from Officials
Official Source:
 “The government’s strategic focus on PLI scheme for bulk drugs is proving beneficial as several projects have been completed, ensuring greater self-sufficiency in critical drug production,” said an official source.
 The official further emphasized that this initiative not only contributes to national resilience but also aids in foreign exchange savings.Dr. Sushma Rani Raju, Head of Nephrology, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru:
 “Rifampicin and other essential drugs are key to managing life-threatening conditions like TB. Ensuring their consistent availability is vital for advancing India’s health infrastructure and achieving sustainable healthcare goals.”With the commissioning of Rifampicin and other essential medicines, India is poised to strengthen its pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. The expansion of fermentation-based projects and ongoing efforts to meet domestic needs under the PLI scheme will mitigate the reliance on imports, fostering better healthcare delivery and helping the country achieve greater self-reliance in critical drug production.