GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2623
TO BE ANSWERED ON 16-4-2008

SLOW RESEARCH WORK FOR INVENTION OF NEW MEDICINES

2623. SHRI SATYAVRAT CHATURVEDI:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the research work for invention of new medicines is not advancing at the required pace in the country;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the amount allocated by Government for undertaking research-work for invention of new medicines during the last three years; and
(d) the amount utilized for this purpose during the said period?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b): The Government has launched a programme specially for Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research in DST for developing new molecules/drugs in all systems of medicines. In addition drug research is being undertaken both by public and private R&D institutions for developing medicines.

(c) & (d): The amount allocated for Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme in DST for the years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 is Rs. 115.00 crores, Rs.60.00 crores, Rs.118.00 crores respectively. The utilization of funds is Rs.115.50 crores, Rs.60.00 crores and Rs.118.00 crores for the respective years.