Resistance to Reform: Punjab Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Push Back Against Modi’s Schedule M Mandate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive for Indian pharmaceutical plants to achieve WHO GMP certification by the end of 2023 faces significant resistance from some manufacturers. The Pundrug Research Foundation, led by several Punjab-based pharmaceutical companies, argues that the financial and logistical burdens of upgrading to meet these standards are too high, particularly for smaller firms. Despite these challenges, the Indian government emphasizes that such upgrades are essential for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and global competitiveness of Indian pharmaceuticals. The debate underscores the critical need for balancing regulatory compliance with economic realities to maintain India’s position as a leading pharmaceutical producer.