Pharma companies bat for settlement out of court on FDC issue

MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court's decision to quash the health ministry's ban of over 300 combination medicines has cheered drug makers, who were at loggerheads with the ministry over the curbs for over a year. Though the government has already filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, drug companies now want a reconciliation with the ministry as they seek an out of court settlement.

“Yes, we are relieved by this order. We really feel that this matter can be resolved out of court, instead of spending time and resources. We are ready to weed out irrational products that are scientifically harmful,” said Ramesh Juneja, managing director of Mankind and chairman of Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs.

The high court, while lifting the ban, had pulled up the government for haphazardly banning the drugs. RS Shanghvi, a member of the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, called the court decision a victory for drug companies and said instead of pursuing the legal route, the government should address the issue through dialogue.