New Delhi, 03 November (H.S.): The Central Government has proposed expanding the network of authorised entry points for the import and clearance of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, in a move aimed at streamlining the movement of healthcare products and improving supply-chain efficiency across the country.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday proposed amendments to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to expand the network of authorised entry points through which healthcare products can be imported and cleared.

Under the proposed amendments, additional Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka are proposed to be included in the list of authorised import centres.

The proposed additions include ICD Sonipat, ICD Piyala and ICD Harsaru in Haryana; ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; ICD Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; ICD Sanath Nagar and ICD Thimmapur in Hyderabad, Telangana; and ICD Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The SEZ at Bommasandra in Karnataka is also proposed to be included.

In addition, the ministry has proposed authorising Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an entry point for the import of pharmaceutical products by air.

These proposed locations will be added to the existing network of authorised import gateways, which already includes the ICDs at Dhannad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, along with airports previously notified for the import of drugs.

According to the ministry, expanding the network will enable importers to clear consignments closer to their manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centres. This is expected to reduce inland transportation distances, facilitate better management of logistics costs and minimise delays in the movement of imported consignments.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen the supply chain for medicines, medical devices and cosmetics, improve operational convenience for importers and enhance the availability of healthcare products across different regions of the country.

The ministry said the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening the infrastructure supporting healthcare product imports, promoting ease of doing business and developing a more efficient and responsive supply chain. The move is also expected to facilitate the timely availability of essential healthcare products.

The ministry has invited objections and suggestions from the general public, concerned parties and other stakeholders on the proposed amendments. These submissions will be considered before the government proceeds with the final notification.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar