Some drugs may not last beyond Feb due to coronavirus crisis, says Ficci

Production of several commonly used medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, some antibiotics, and diabetes drugs may be adversely hit if the supply disruption caused by the outbreak of coronavirus in China lasts beyond two months, lobby group Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has assessed based on feedback from the industry.

In several cases, Indian drug-makers have raw material stocks of two to three months and so do not see any immediate problem but this could change if the problem persists, it said. “Also, if the shutdown extends beyond February, then there may be some rise in prices of pharmaceutical products made in India,” the study said.

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India depends on China for 70% of its bulk drugs and drug intermediates, according to industry estimates.

The health ministry is working on a plan with measures to ensure there is no crisis in case if the lockdown in China continues for another fortnight impacting supplies.

The report published in Times of India reveals that in certain segments, such as penicillins and their derivatives, China accounts for over 90% of India’s import of the ingredient.