PharmaTech March April 2020

Volume - 11. Issue-02. March - April, 2020.

CORONA

SPECIAL

13 AN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION ON PHARMA MACHINERY,
FORMULATIONS, API’S, NUTRACEUTICALS, ANALYTICAL,

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Dear Valued Readers,

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, touching so many
areas of individual lives. We recognize the hard times that everyone is facing during
this COVID-19 crisis.The government is taking measures to make all that happen,
and in a better timeline. But, Society is about to change, and no one can be sure
how.

We would like to assure you that we are doing our best in developing our
Pharma B2B Portal (www.pharamatechnologyindex.com) as a priority as of
now. Our mission is to maintain a healthy business relationship with our customers
by implementing a professional work environment.

We have taken decision to publish our current issue on our website
(www.knsmedia.com). We highly appreciate your interest and support of our
clients for submitting the artworks.

We have covered topics on The COVID-19 pandemic and the Indian
Pharmaceutical Industry, Impact of Covid-19 on the Pharma Industry & Pharma
Sector, The impact of big pharma on Covid-19, Challenges galore for business
leaders post lockdown

After the lockdown, we as usual circulate our Magazine physical copy in the
Industries.Till that with your support and understanding we are uploading the
current issue on our website.
Thank you for your understanding and support.

Aarjav Shah MARCH - APRIL, 2020
Excutive Editor, PharmaTech
[email protected]

08

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 09

March 2020 Covid 19 Impact #
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Indian pharmaceutical industry.....................................13-14

Covid 19 Impact #
Impact of Covid-19 on the Pharma Industry.............................................................................15-16

Covid 19 Impact #
The impact of big pharma on Covid-19 ....................................................................................17-18

Post Event Report #

11th Edition of PharmaTech Expo 2020 & LabTech Expo 2020..........................................19-20
was Inaugurated on 4th to 6th March at Mumbai.

Covid 19 Impact #
Impact of COVID-19 on Pharma Sector .....................................................................21-22-23-24

Saving Money #
Saving Money at the Loading Dock............................................................................................ 25-26

NEWS #
Covid-19 impact: Pharma players join hands to ensure smooth production.......................... 27

Need economic package and open industry in staggered manner, says CII............................ 28

What to prioritise? Challenges galore for business leaders post lockdown........................... 29

Event Calendar ......................................................................................................................................34
Advertiser’s Index ................................................................................................................................ 36

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MARCH - APRIL, 2020 11

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12 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Covid 19 Impact #

The COVID-19 pandemic and the
Indian pharmaceutical industry Dr. Abhishek Dadhich

Dr. Abhishek Dadhich rounds plants. Furthermore, its active API procurement. Supply chain
up how the Indian pharmaceutical pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) disruptions and product exportation
market has been impacted by the market is forecasted to attain a restrictions from India resulted from
coronavirus pandemic and the steps revenue of $6 billion by the end of manpower shortages in China’s
the country’s government could take 2020. manufacturing plants. This was caused
to overcome these setbacks. by the quarantine policies adapted and
According to a report on the adopted by different provincial
The Indian pharmaceutical Indian pharmaceutical industry, the governments in China in response to
industry is the world’s third largest source of APIs is a crucial part of the the virus. Supplies were further
drug producer by volume and the pharma industry’s strategic plan to impacted by the disruption of logistic
country’s market manufactures 60 combat the COVID-19 pandemic. and transportation systems,
percent of vaccines globally. This The majority of APIs for generic drug restricting access and movement of
constitutes 40 to 70 percent of supply manufacturing across the globe are products to and from ports.
to satisfy the World Health sourced from India, which also
Organization’s (WHO) demand for supplies approximately 30 percent of Prior to 1991, the Indian
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis the generic APIs used in the US. pharmaceutical industry only
(DPT) and Bacillus Calmette Guerin However, Indian manufacturers rely imported 0.3 percent of its APIs from
(BCG) vaccines and 90 percent of the heavily on APIs from China for the China; however, the globalisation of
global demand for the measles production of their medicine Indian pharmaceutical companies and
vaccine. formulations, procuring around 70 the rise in large-scale formulation
percent from China, the top global manufacturing prompted the increase
India supplies affordable and producer and exporter of APIs by in API procurement from China. The
low-cost generic drugs to millions of volume. primary driver being the low cost of
people around the globe and operates production.
more than 250 US Food and Drug The impact of the SARS-CoV-
Administration (FDA) and UK 2 coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19, The current dependency of
Medicine and Healthcare products has exposed the dependency of the Indian pharmaceutical companies on
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Indian pharma sector on China for its Chinese APIs is a serious concern for

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 13

Covid 19 Impact #

national health security, prompting the and medical devices. als/lancet…
Indian government to set up a The Indian pharmaceutical 2. E u r o p e a n P h a r m a c e u t i c a l
taskforce to review the internal API
sector. Several key representatives industry maintains great advantages, Review. India should reduce
from the pharmaceutical industry and including the availability of a large dependence on China for APIs, says
NITI Aayog (an Indian government labour pool and advanced industry insider [Internet].
policy think tank) suggested that technologies that enable high European Pharmaceutical Review.
fostering the approvals of regulatory standards of markets like 13 March 2020. [Cited: 22 March
pharmaceutical infrastructure the US and European countries to be 2020] Available at:
developments, clearance from the met. https://www.europeanpharmace
environment ministry and providing uticalreview.com/news/115163…
tax exemptions and subsidies for the About the author: 3. J a m e s , T. I n d i a ' s G r o w i n g
development and promotion of the Dr Abhishek Dadhich is a Dependence on Imports in the area
pharmaceutical industry hubs could all Revolutionist Academic Researcher of Bulk Drugs [Internet]. RIS.
benet the market. a n d Tr a i n e r i n t h e a r e a o f February 2015. [Cited: 21 March
Pharmaceutical Management. Dr 2020]. Available at:
Strategies for promoting Indian Abhishek is presently working as https://www.ris.org.in/sites/defaul
API production Assistant Professor at the Indian t/les/…
In the present situation, the Indian Institute of Health Management 4. ET Burea. ICRA downgrades Indian
government should take important Research (IIHMR) University, Jaipur. pharma on China lockdown
steps to remove the technical and He has more than 11 years of [Internet]. Economic Times. 21
nancial barriers that will spur the experience in academic research and February 2020. [Cited: 16 March
pharmaceutical industry to ramp up training and has contributed more 2020]. Available at:
API production, reducing the than 15 research, review papers and https://economictimes.indiatimes.
dependency of the pharmaceutical articles to international and national com/markets/…
industry as a whole on the heavily journals of repute, pharma magazines, 5. Arnum, P. Indian Government Looks
impacted Chinese market. The Indian websites and a blog. To Increase Domestic API Mfg
government recently undertook [Internet]. DCAT. 25 March 2020
applaudable steps by proposing an References: [Cited: 25 March 2020] Available
incentive package of 13.76 billion 1. Chatterjee, P. Indian pharma at: https://dcatvci.org/6411-
Indian Rupees (approximately $181 indian-government…
million) for the promotion of domestic threatened by COVID-19 6. PIB Delhi. Cabinet approves
manufacturing of critical key starting shutdowns in China [Internet]. The Promotion of domestic
materials, drug intermediates, APIs Lancet. 29 February 2020. [Cited: manufacturing of critical Key
19 March 2020]. Available at: Starting Materials/Drug
https://www.thelancet.com/journ Intermediates and Active
Pharmaceutical Ingredients in the
country [Internet]. PIB Delhi. 21
March 2020. [Cited: 25 March
2020]. Available at:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage

14 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Covid 19 Impact #

Impact of Covid-19 on Authored by Ameex
the Pharma Industry Technologies

Corona Virus (Covid-19) has Pharma supply chain is fragile, and the about during these pandemic times.
almost impacted every industry, impact created by Covid-19 has It is believed that the shortage
causing steep inroads into the global brought it to limelight once again.
economy. Pharma industry is no There are two types of drugs might not occur for now as companies
exception. In this blog let us have stocks at least for the next 5
understand the impact on the pharma I. Brand Name Drugs months.
industry. These are products protected with a 3. FDA Policies
1. Cost of Drugs and Raw reliable supply chain and protable to The Covid impact, demand for drugs
materials the manufacturers. and the lockdown in various countries
The impact Covid-19 has created in E x a m p l e - Tr u v a d a may force the FDA to allow relaxation
China and the lockdown in India, in a few areas:
United States, and other countries, II. Generic Drugs Ÿ The review process of Generic
further increases the chances of shoot The prot for these types of drugs is
up in the cost of raw materials and very marginal and the supply chain is medicine is lengthy, the demand
drugs. 13% of the brand and generic lean. The API plant for these are often and shortage created may also
manufacturers are based out of China overseas with India and China force minor changes
and according to the FDA, as of 2018, dominating the API market. The API Ÿ The Federal law requires the
24% of medicines and 31% of medical may be manufactured in a single plant manufacturers to notify the FDA
ingredients were imported from India. and each stage holds very little about shortages when the
Example inventory. The problem at any stage circumstance arises. The rules do
Ÿ The cost of Paracetamol in India can cause drug shortage with the not apply to medical devices as it is
average drug shortage lasting for 14 manufactured at multiple plants.
has gone up to Indian Rupees 400- months and there are cases where it The shortage of devices during the
450 per kilogram from Rupees has lasted for 3 years even. pandemic might force the FDA to
250- 300 per kilogram rethink on regulations on devices
Ÿ The price of vitamins and penicillin According to a recent survey, Ÿ FDA might also rethink the
have increased by 40- 50 % in India emergency care, anesthesia care, and number of inspections on the
If the current situation continues pain management drugs are the drugs overseas manufacturing plants
to prolong, the cost of essential which mostly get affected due to Example -To maximize the number of
drugs might increase in the US shortage. respirators available, FDA and CDC
and other countries as well. recently announced that certain
The current situation might respirators regulated by CDC, but not
2. Supply Chain cause a shortage and increase in by the FDA, can also be used.
demands of certain medications such
as Hydroxychloroquine and 4. Data & Analytics
Chloroquine, which are most talked Ÿ Pharma industry has an enormous

amount of data, which also brings
in various challenges
Ÿ Integrating siloed data and derive
insights
Ÿ Infrastructure to leverage the
power of Big Data
Ÿ Leveraging unstructured data
Ÿ Advance insights from clinical trails
Ÿ Data privacy
Ÿ Social listening
The cost of drug development is
skyrocketing, and the time taken for a
drug to be launched is also high. The

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 15

Covid 19 Impact #

industry has been using data for years, security issues are a few of the Ÿ Wellmind health (provides online
but the challenge lies in leveraging its challenges in using RWD, but it can be courses for mindfulness-based
full potential. A large amount of clinical sorted out and will gain more cognitive therapy) has seen a
and molecular data available over the popularity as companies and the recent uptrend in the purchase and
years can help in predictive analytics, regulatory bodies from here on might enquires
which can be used to hasten the look to bring in innovative measures in
process of clinical trials and drug clinical trials. Ÿ Due to the current pandemic
development. situation, hospitals in the UK have
Clinical trials are gold dust for been instructed by NHS England to
Companies are leveraging pharma but there are cases in the past increase telemedicine/video
data and analytics, but the current where the drugs were pulled out from consultations
situation might want them to use data the market even after FDA approval.
even more efciently for clinical trials, The main problem with clinical trial is it Ÿ Meditation apps Calm and
forecasting, and marketing. looks at a homogeneous population. Headspace have released free
Infrastructure for big data and social To address this, FDA might relax the digital offerings to help people
listening will also play a key role. regulations on RWD. cope up with panic and anxiety

5. Real-World Data (RWD) 6. Digital Health 7. Primary and Secondary Market
New drug development is estimated Digital health might be the next big To control the drug shortages that
to cost $2.6 billion which is up from 1 thing as telemedicine / video occur often companies will reassess
billion in 2013. On top of the cost consultations, health-related videos their strategies on the primary and
involved, the time taken for and apps are gaining popularity. secondary market for manufacturing.
development& clinical trials, might
bring in more focus towards RWD. Investment in online portals Source:https://www.ameexusa.com/
that help doctor-patient interaction blogs/covid-19-impact-on-
Almost 95% of the will increase. pharmaceutical-industry
companies are using RWD or will be Example of gaining digital
using it by 2021. Data accessibility and popularity

16 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Covid 19 Impact #

The impact of big By Global Data
pharma on Covid-19 Healthcare

As economies around the economies in other regions of the of coronavirus on their patients. Eli
world are suffering from the impact of world such as Europe and the US, Lilly has offered great support to its
Covid-19, businesses are experiencing areas where AZ makes other large diabetic population with full-page
losses, workers are without jobs, and fractions of its total revenue. But in adverts in various US papers detailing
many face the challenge of a complete face of this potential hit, AZ has how they can receive support in such a
upheaval of lifestyle. However, announced a donation of nine million nancially unstable time. For many
pharmaceutical companies taking face masks to various countries facing insulin-dependent diabetics, their
centre stage in the Covid-19 ght, hard struggles with the virus and has unprecedented nancial predicament
such as Gilead and Eli Lilly, are seeing ramped up trials on diagnostic testing could leave them unable to access
positive growth on the stock market measures. GlobalData anticipates that lifesaving medication, something Eli
and a new burst of innovation in the AZ may be able to override this loss of Lilly is fully aware of. Therefore, it has
infectious disease landscape as the revenue with the prospect of a offered greater support to those who
race for treatment approval for a successful drug agent against Covid- have lost jobs or insurance plans due
Covid-19 therapy takes off. But what 19, such as their cancer treatment to the virus. Patients are encouraged
impact are pharmaceutical companies Calquence (acalabrutinib). The to call the Lilly Diabetes Solution
having in a time of strong clinical need? company is rapidly developing a Center, where they can talk through
clinical trial of the drug in Covid-19 various options with advisers, such as
AstraZeneca (AZ) expects to patients. Furthermore, AZ has joined switching to the appropriate generic
see a drop in revenue due to China’s forces with Sano in the hope of or limiting monthly prescription costs,
current economic position. China has developing a vaccine, another project to ensure there is no interruption to
been seen as an area of strong growth that would help to regain lost revenue. their supply of diabetes medication.
for AZ, making it more susceptible to a GlobalData expects that each
revenue downturn compared to other Other pharmaceutical pharmaceutical company will nd its
Big Pharma. The outbreak will, companies are following suit during own unique strategy of support for
therefore, hinder this growth, and the Covid-19 pandemic and using their patients, as not doing so could lead to
even more so as it begins to halt own capabilities to lighten the burden detrimental effects on reputation.

Another point of interest is
Bayer, which has donated three million
Resochin (chloroquine) tablets to the
US government for use in Covid-19
patients. The drug is not yet approved
for use in the US, and the company is
now working with authorities on an
emergency use authorisation. This
subsequent approval will ensure a
strong uptake for Resochin, as it has
been prematurely backed by
President Trump and is seen to be a
potential contender in the ght against
Covid-19. Whether its less-toxic
derivative hydroxychloroquine will
show similar benet with greater
tolerability remains to be seen, and
could change Bayer’s Covid-19
standpoint. Novartis is also giving back
to the population in a time of crisis,
having committed to donating 130

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 17

Covid 19 Impact #

million doses of hydroxychloroquine widespread uptake of the vaccine. asked for the orphan drug status to be
to aid the global pandemic; however, GlobalData believes that the removed following the uproar, very
the company only holds drug collaboration between Pzer and shortly after the designation was rst
registration in the US and will need to BioNTech will face erce competition announced. This move makes greater
now work with authorities such as the from other pharmaceutical companies nancial sense for the company, as
EMA and FDA to enable access of the such as Johnson & Johnson, Gilead and their drug agent would see little
drug globally. Further to this, it has Amgen. There are also unexpected uptake if it held a much higher price tag
started a response fund with $20M entrants to contend with, such as than others unless it showed
that will award grants to local Kentucky BioProcessing, a subsidiary unmatched efcacy. Furthermore, in a
communities affected by the of British American Tobacco, who are space where more companies will
pandemic. The company has also in preclinical stages with a not-for- likely refuse the benets of specic
entered the Covid-19 Therapeutics prot plant-based vaccine. approvals or designations, the
Accelerator headed by the Bill and competition will increase markedly,
Melinda Gates Foundation to promote Gilead, potentially the most leaving GlobalData to assume that
and fund the innovation of antiviral benecial and controversial of all there will be stringent pricing
drugs. GlobalData expects that both Covid-19-ghting drug-makers, has measures employed to ensure that the
Bayer and Novartis will gain nancially also made a contribution to the Covid- rst approved product is nancially
from the use of hydroxychloroquine 19 battle. Remdesivir, Gilead’s competitive to ward off a huge inux
and chloroquine worldwide. promising antiviral, has been given of generic alternatives.
Compassionate Use Program (CUP)
Pzer has also unexpectedly status and is one of the top-ranked As more trials take place and
gained from the coronavirus outbreak. drugs to help battle the coronavirus new emerging therapies are
Pzer’s pneumonia vaccine Prevnar crisis. It has had positive results in publicised, drug companies will now
13 has seen an unexpected jump in animal studies and also in those be under pressure to show their own
sales, most probably due to the course treated on its CUP. The drug was compassion regarding drug
of the coronavirus, which in severe granted orphan drug status on March development royalties. Moreover, in a
cases causes pneumonia with high 25th, 2020, by the FDA, which time of economic regression and
mortality rates. This increased garnered heavy criticism: orphan drug global health fears due to Covid-19,
revenue for Pzer will be matched and designation would also entail huge tax the reputations of pharmaceutical
exceeded if its collaboration with benets and a long patency period in companies are on the line and their
BioNTech for a Covid-19 vaccine is which generics—cheaper and more impact on the ght against the virus
successful. This will be developed for accessible alternatives—would not be will not be easily forgotten. The
areas outside of China suffering from permitted. This begs the question: concept of large prots coming from
the pandemic, as BioNTech has should pharmaceutical companies be newly developed drugs will face
collaborated with Shanghai Fosun encouraged to prot from pandemics increased scrutiny in a time of global
Pharmaceutical Group in China. like Covid-19? AbbVie, at a similar pandemic as a result of public and
Although the vaccine will endure a time, denounced all incentives of competitive pressures.
long path to approval, the unknown orphan drug designation for its HIV Source:
recurrence of Covid-19 alongside the antiviral Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) h t t p s : / / w w w. p h a r m a c e u t i c a l -
huge economic and social impact it has being trialled for coronavirus. technology.com/comment/covid-19-
caused globally will guarantee Therefore, it’s no surprise that Gilead pharmaceutical-companies-impact/

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18 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Post Event Report #

11th Edition of PharmaTech Expo 2020
& LabTech Expo 2020was Inaugurated on

4th to 6th March at Mumbai.

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, D R
Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria,
Sudan and Tanzania. One to one
meeting with entrepreneurs /
industrialist from African Countries
had been organised from 4th to 6th
March 2020 during the event.

PharmaTechnologyIndex.co Ayurvedic, Cosmetic, API'S Chemicals The following dignitaries graced
m Pvt. Ltd.has organized & Fragrance. inaugural function and subsequent
“PharmaTech Expo 2020 & LabTech occasions of PharmaTech Expo
Expo 2020,” which is premier event The exhibition has been 2020 at Mumbai:
dedicated to pharmaceutical planned in the space of 9000 square Ÿ H. E . M r. D e m e k e - C o n s u l
innovation, technology and meters. This year there are more than
knowledge. Over a period, it has 250 Exhibitors displayed Machinery General, Ethiopia.
emerged as a decisive platform for and Equipment for producing drugs Ÿ Dr. Dinesh Dua – Chairman,
showcasing the latest innovation and and pharmaceutical products & the
technologies throughout all phases of event was visited by about 5500 Pharmexcil
the product lifecycle, focusing Pharma visitors. Ÿ ShriChakravarthi AVPS –
manufacturing and processing
technology, pharmaceutical systems Indo-Africa Chamber of Global Ambassador, World
and services. Commerce and Industry (IACCI) had Packaging Organisation
organised Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet Ÿ ShriDaara Patel - Secretary
PharmaTechnologyindex.co concurrently with the event and General, IDMA
m Pvt Ltd has successfully organised brought in Buyers from African Ÿ Shri Amit Thakkar- President,
TEN events including Three at Indore, Countries including Botswana, DMMA
Four at Ahmedabad and Three at Ÿ Mrs. Sunanda Rajendran -
Chandigarh. There has been Secretary General, Indo-
substantial growth of about 25% in African Chamber Commence
visiting entrepreneur and participating & Industry, Mumbai
companies in past events. We are now Ÿ Mr. Matsunaga - Director
organizing 11th Edition of General of JETRO Mumbai
PharmaTech Expo & LabTech Expo
2020 from 4th to 6th March 2020 at
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
This is India's Premier Pharma & Lab
Expo. This year the focus will be on
the pharmaceutical machinery and
equipment manufacturing sector and
pharmaceuticals packaging, Lab and
Analytical Instruments, along with
special pavilion for pharmaceutical
formulations and Nutraceutical,

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 19

Post Event Report #

Ÿ Dr.RenuShome – Director,The
Council of EU Chambers in
India

Ÿ Mrs. ShakshiKulkarni –
Director, SME Chamber of
India, Mumbai

Ÿ Ms. SujataUchil- Deputy
Director of FIEO, Mumbai

Partner and Support
Organisations :
In Association with: Indo-Africa
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(IACCI)
Partner Organisation : Indian Drug
Manufacturers' Association (IDMA),
Drug Marketing & Manufacturers
Association (DMMA), Japan External
Trade Organisation (JETRO),
Exclusive Support Organisation :
Pharmaceutical Export Promotion
Council (PHARMEXCIL), Federation
of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
International Supporter : The
Council Of EU Chambers Of
Commerce In India
Supported By: Indian Chamber of
International Business, SME Chamber
of India, Packaging Industry
Association of India

20 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Covid 19 Impact #

Impact of COVID-19 Anandaday Misshra
on Pharma Sector Advocate

dated 26.03.2020 issued by the
National Pharmaceutical Pricing
Authority (NPPA), a wing of the
Government of India under the
Department of Pharmaceuticals
has also given instructions for
unobstructed movement of
pharmaceutical goods in light of
the Ministry of Home Affairs order
of even no. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A)
dated 24.03.2020 and 25.03.2020.

Pharmaceuticals have H o w e v e r, s u c h a n 2. Whether the Pharmaceutical
always been a huge component of unprecedented situation also Industry has to revisit their Supply
India’s ever-growing trade expansion brings certain genuine queries in Chain Model?
strategy, especially since the country the minds of the companies which Answer: Different areas around the
has already stated its goal of we have tried to answer below: country are facing different issues and
diversication of exports both in Supply of Pharma Products subject to the terms & conditions of
terms of the products that are being the transactions with the suppliers and
exported and the countries to which 1. How will the current pandemic the purchasers as well as the internal
they are exported. situation affect the continuity of policies of the company, there can
supply of medicines from always be a possibility of legal
India is a leading exporter Pharmaceutical in Industry? consequences in the future.
of generic drugs across the world Answer: COVID-19 is a very dynamic
and as demand expands across situation. We believe there would be Issues can crop up due to
the globe, Indian indirect effects on the continuity of various hindrances and invite a wrath
pharmaceutical industry aspires supply of medicines due to lockouts, under Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
to become the world’s largest manpower supply, raw materials 2016, Indian Contract Act 1872,
supplier of drugs by 2030. supply issue, stoppage of Specic Relief Act 1963, etc. where
transportation, etc. one party may create legal issues due
India aims to increase its to disruption of the supply chain and
Pharmaceutical industry revenue to The Government, however, ultimate loss faced. These implications
$120 billion-$130 billion by 2030 from has done its best in ensuring that could lead to claims worth multi-
the current revenue of $38 billion at a pharmaceutical manufacturers do not million rupees both domestically as
compound annual growth rate face any shortage of supply of raw well as internationally.
(CAGR) of 11-12%. The current material or labour or any other
pandemic has not only created a directly or indirectly related service. Therefore, it is better to take
havoc in the country as a whole, it This is to ensure that all types of an expert’s opinion to understand the
has also put the entire medicines are always available in the legal implications that can arise.
Pharmaceutical industry in a market.
dilemma and right now, it is difcult to The Letter bearing No. F. No. Masks and Sanitizers
decide whether it is boon or bane for 21(2856)/Div. IV/2020/NPPA
the industry. 3. Under which notication masks
and sanitizers have been included
in the Essential Commodities Act,
1955?
Answer: The Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
vide notication no. F. No. 26(1)/2020-

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 21

Covid 19 Impact #

ECR&E, dated 13.03.2020 has approximately 70 per cent of others medicines.
included masks and sanitizers under India’s total API requirement is Exception:
the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 met by imports from China? As per Policy Circular no. 33/2015-
at Sr. no. 8 in the Schedule. Answer: In case the supply disruption 20 dated 20.03.2020, an exception
continues over the next three to nine has been created for the export of
4. Whether there would be any months, the pressures on credit APIs and formulation made by
new tax implications on buffers could intensify and rating these APIs to be allowed from SEZ
pharmaceutical industries owing transitions would be imminent, Units.
to the inclusion of Masks and especially in case of the entities rated Similarly vide Policy Circular no.
Sanitizers as essential ‘INDIA’ and below, India Ratings and 34/2015-20 dated 20.03.2020,
commodities under the Essential Research (Ind-Ra). exports of all formulations as
Commodities Act, 1955? Till date there is no direct mentioned in Notication no.
Answer: As of now there are no notication or circular which has 50/2015-20 dated 03.03.2020 shall
specic notications from the Central been issued by the government be allowed under Advance
Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs regarding the import of APIs from Licenses issued on or before
(CBIC) regarding the change in rates China. 0 3 . 0 3 . 2 0 2 0 . H o w e v e r, n o
of tax or any other exemption or levy Export of Active Pharmaceutical enhancement of quantity is
of tax on masks and sanitizers. It seems Ingredients (APIs) and Drugs permitted for import or export in
there would be no new tax these Advance
implications but still it is advisable to 6. Whether there are any
take expert opinion to avoid notications concerning 7. Whether there is any
unnecessary tax related litigations. restrictions on export of Active notication issued by the
Import of Active Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical Ingredients Government of India to ban the
Ingredients (APIs) (APIs) and formulations by export of key malaria drug amidst
Government of India? the COVID-19 outbreak? If yes,
5. Whether there would be any Answer: The Directorate General of what will be the legal
impact on Indian Pharmaceutical F o r e i g n Tr a d e ( D G F T ) v i d e consequences of such
Companies as far as the import of notication no. 02/2015-2020 dated notications?
drugs and medicines is concerned 06.04.2020, has amended notication Answer: As per the notication no
since China is the world’s largest no. 50/2015-2020 dated 03.03.2020 54/2015-2020 dated 25.03.2020
exporter of Active and has made “free for export” issued by the Directorate General of
Pharmaceutical Ingredients certain API’s like antibiotics, Foreign Trade (DGFT) the export of
(APIs) and intermediates and hormones and vitamins, amongst key malaria drug Hydroxychloroquine

22 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Covid 19 Impact #

Licenses. 9. What are the current
List of APIs allowed to be exported notications under COVID-19 in
regard to export of masks and
Sr. No. ITC HS Description other drugs?
Code Answer: The Government of India,
146B Tinidazole vide notication no. 52/2015-2020
146C 29332910 Metronidazole dated 19.03.2020, has prohibited
146D 29332920 Acyclovir the export of all surgical/disposable
146E 29335990 Vitamin B1 masks and textile raw material used
146F 29362210 Vitamin B6 for making masks.
146G 29362500 Vitamin B12
146H 29362610 Progesterone Force Majeure Clause in
146I 29372300 Chloramphenicol Contracts
146J 29414000 Erythromycin Salts
146K 29415000 Neomycin 10. Should Pharmaceutical
146L 29419050 Clindamycin Salts Industries relook the Force
146M 29419090 Ornidazole Majeure clause in their supply
156A 29420090 Formulations made of Chloramphenicol contracts?
156B 30042050 Formulations made of Erythromycin Salts Answer: It is advisable to revisit all the
156C 30042061 Formulations made of Clindamycin Salts on-going contracts especially with
156D 30042095 Formulations made of Progesterone respect to the Force Majeure clause as
156E 30043919 Formulations made of Vitamin B1 any loophole may lead to litigation in
156F 30045032 Formulations made of Vitamin B12 the future concerning the supply or
156G 30045034 Formulations made of Vitamin B6 payment criteria.
156H 30045039 Formulations made of Neomycin The Force Majeure clause should be
156I 30049015 Formulations made of Ornidazole reviewed in terms of the following
156J 30049021 Formulations made of Metronidazole questions:
156K 30049022 Formulations made of Tinidazole Ÿ Who can invoke it?
156L 30049023 Formulations made of Acyclovir Ÿ When can it be invoked?
30049099 Ÿ What are the exceptions to it?
Ÿ What is the procedure to invoke it?
Prohibition on Export of Hydroxychloroquine Ÿ How can a party safeguard itself

was prohibited albeit with a few A n s w e r : Ye s , t h e N a t i o n a l from the undesirable outcomes of
exceptions and conditions. Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority Force Majeure?
H o w e v e r, t h e D G F T v i d e under the Ministry of Chemicals & Ÿ What is the limitation period to
Notication no. 01/2015-2020 Fertilizers vide its order dated invoke it?
dated 04.04.2020 has amended its 31.03.2020 has notied Medical Ÿ Whether, under the light of the
earlier notication and has now Devices intended for use in human Ofce Memorandum of the
completely prohibited the export beings or animals with effect from Ministry of Finance, it is only
of Hydroxycholorquine or its 01st April, 2020. applicable to public contracts or to
formulations, without any All medical devices shall private contracts as well?
exceptions. accordingly be governed under Ÿ What recourse does a party have if
To understand the legal implications the provisions of the Drug (Price the contract does not contain any
on different stakeholders, please get in Control) Order, 2013. force majeure clause?
touch with legal experts. Prohibition on Export of Ÿ Whether a settlement agreement
8. Whether medical devices would Surgical/Disposable Masks can be halted by taking the defence
be considered drugs? of Force Majeure?

It is important to answer all such
questions before deciding to pave
your way ahead in Force Majeure.
Miscellaneous Questions
11. Should Pharmaceutical

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 23

Covid 19 Impact #

Industries revisit their Disaster recovery planning in Author- AMLEGALS is a multi-specialised law rm. We
case of prolonged disruptions? would love to hear your views, queries, feedback and
Answer: It is advisable for the Pharmaceutical Industries comments on [email protected] or
to revisit their Disaster recovery planning in light of their [email protected].
supply chain, APIs products, production of medicines, etc.
and also to restructure the clause if required. An expert’s Author Bio
advise should be always suggested to anticipate these Name: ANANDADAY MISSHRA
aspects and unforeseen situations. Qualication: LL.B / Advocate
Company: AMLEGALS
12. Whether there are any regulations with regards Location: AHMEDABAD, Gujarat, IN
to ceiling prices of pharmaceutical products and/or Member Since: 14 Apr 2018
permissible increase in process of scheduled / non- Total Posts: 86
scheduled formulations?
Answer: As per the Drug Price Control Order, 2013, I am a litigation & arbitration advocate. I am founder of a
specic provisions are mentioned towards compliance of leading full service law rm AMLEGALS. I handle litigation
ceiling of prices of pharmaceutical products. It restricts in indirect taxes, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, IPR,
increase in price of products and also contains the Arbitration, Contracts etc in High Courts, Tribunals-
provisions for sanctions against the perpetrator in case of NCLT,CESTAT,NCLAT etc, Arbitral Tribunals and various
violation of the provisions. Court of View Full Prole

13. How to get regulatory approval to manufacture Source: https://taxguru.in/corporate-law/impact-covid-
COVID-19 testing kit? 19-pharma-sector.html
Answer: The Director General of the Indian Council of
Medical Research, New Delhi had invited quotations for
procurement of FDA / CE-IVD / ICMRNIV Pune approved
Antibody Kit (Serological Test) for diagnosis of COVID –
19. Any Manufacturer with Indian based supplier could
have submitted the quotations through email by 2:30 pm
on 26.03.2020.

14. Whether there is any notication by Ministry of
Home Affairs exempting Veterinary hospitals,
Pharmacies and Research labs from lockdown?
Answer: The Government vide order no. 40-3/2020-
D, dated 24.03.2020 issued by the Ministry of Home
Affairs had excluded Veterinary hospitals, Pharmacies and
Research labs from the lock down and also exempted it
from the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

15. Whether pharmaceutical Industries can appoint
any institute or dealers for the supply of masks and
sanitizers or they would be required to take any
mandatory licenses rst?
Answer: Currently, there is no specic bar on the
pharmaceutical industries for procuring masks and
sanitizers. They can hire any entity which has been
authorized and allowed by the Government for
manufacture of masks and sanitizers even from the pre
COVID-19 era.

24 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

Saving Money #

Saving Money at the
Loading Dock

Pharma execs and facility managers are constantly exploring all possible ways to tighten their
belts and bolster the company's bottom line. A growing number are finding one path to savings runs

through an often-overlooked area of their facility's operations – its loading docks.

Pharmaceutical hole in the wall at each dock opening. achieve this, all four sides of the
manufacturing is a highly competitive Depending on your region, leaving opening must be considered
business, with product development, these gaps unsealed can cost up to separately. With the help of a qualied
quality control, regulatory/compliance $1200 annually per dock position in environmental control specialist,
and even shareholder issues that are lost energy. Facilities with multiple follow this simple process to achieve
much more complex than in many doors can achieve dramatic energy the best results:
other industries. Because of that, cost savings simply by equipping docks
pharma execs and facility managers with proper enclosures that make 1) Look for daylight
are constantly exploring all possible sure these gaps are effectively sealed. Visible daylight at loading
ways to tighten their belts and bolster
the company's bottom line. A growing Often even more concerning dock openings indicates a gap in the
number are nding one path to savings in a pharmaceutical facility, however, is seal that needs to be plugged. Standing
runs through an often-overlooked the opportunity these gaps present to on the inside of the dock, when a
area of their facility's operations – its allow dust, insects or water to enter trailer is in place and the dock door is
loading docks. and contaminate a clean environment. opened, examine the perimeter
Similar gaps exist along the tops of around all sides of the trailer and dock
When trailers are positioned trailers, at the upper corners, as well leveler and note areas where you can
at the dock being loaded or unloaded, as around and beneath the dock see light. Next, with the dock door
gaps often exist between the trailer leveler and exterior dock bumpers. closed, look for light around all four
and the edges of the dock opening, Protecting the entire area with a solid sides of the door and along leveler
through which expensive heating and system of sealing products is essential edges. Different gaps will need to be
cooling energy can escape, and to maintaining the integrity of sealed by different products.
unwanted contaminants can enter. For pharmaceutical product and Understanding what kinds of gaps
example, swing-open style trailer operations. The goal is to seal all gaps exist will lead to more informed
doors typically leave 1- to 2-inch gaps that are created, 24/7, when trailers decisions on properly sealing them.
running along both sides of the trailer, are in place or not, and when 2) Seal the top
which equate to a 2.5-square-foot overhead doors are open or closed. To
Gaps along the top of the

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 25

Saving Money #

trailer are common with some types of 4) Seal the sides bumpers, presenting stubborn
dock seals and shelters. Even brand- Foam compression style dock challenges for sealing out pests and
new enclosures can leave gaps if not contaminants. Installing a complete
designed and t to prevent them. To seals generally offer a very good seal under-leveler pit seal with
get the best seal possible in this area, along the sides of the trailer. However, complementary ller pads and other
choose a foam compression dock seal they often suffer signicant wear-and- components helps ll tough-to-seal
with a pleated-face head pad, or a dock tear due to the constant pressure and gaps where the dock enclosure,
shelter with a heavily weighted head friction from the trailer positioned leveler, and bumpers all meet. Inside
curtain. A gravity-based design against it. Additionally, foam and other the facility, leveler lip corner seals,
guarantees the tightest, most material can protrude inside of the weather seal, door seals and other
consistent seal across the full width of trailer when compressed, interfering gap-sealing, daylight-blocking
the trailer, allowing it to maintain with forklift loading. In contrast, products nish the job.
contact as the trailer bounces during perimeter-sealing dock shelters offer 6) Consider vertical-storing
loading and unloading. Today's full access loading as they seal along the levelers
advanced dock shelters incorporate sides of the trailer, with nothing
this type of weighted head curtain, protruding into the trailer opening. Utilized in many food facilities
accomplishing a tight seal without the Unless the right model is selected, which also require clean
need for an additional overhead rain however, gaps often exist, especially in environments, vertical levelers are
diversion device. situations with swing-open trailer another consideration for
3) Seal the corners doors as described above. The pharmaceutical applications. Vertical
solution is a shelter with side curtains levelers differ from pit-style levelers in
For the best seal at the top featuring a fabric-covered hook on the that they allow the loading dock door
corners of the trailer, choose a dock leading edge. This seals the trailer to close directly onto the pit oor. This
shelter that is specially designed to seal hinge gap and minimizes the intrusion minimizes outside air inltration, helps
this problem area. Most dock shelters of outside elements. reduce contaminants from entering a
leave roomy gaps where the side 5) Remember the fourth side building, and also helps protect the
curtains and head curtain meet and dock door from damage. Additionally,
interfere with each other when a While it is critical to effectively their vertical design makes it easy to
trailer is backed in. To overcome this seals gaps at the top and along the sides clean or wash down the pit oor when
issue, technologically advanced of the dock opening using a dock seal the leveler is in the upright and stored
shelters feature integral fabric pockets or shelter, a seal isn't complete until the position.
in the side curtains that receive the fourth side of the opening is addressed. Save energy and be cleaner at the
head curtain and block all daylight in Even with the best seal or shelter in loading dock
this area. place, gaps typically remain below and
around the dock leveler and exterior Managers of pharmaceutical
facilities looking to save on energy
costs and to keep their buildings clean
can't neglect the loading dock. Using a
system of products including the right
dock seal or shelter, an under-leveler
seal, small gap-lling products and a
vertical leveler, companies can vastly
improve conditions on their docks,
keeping wind, rain, dust, and bugs out
and valuable conditioned air in. To
make sure your situation is managed
properly, it's critical to consult a
reputable loading dock equipment
provider who is trained to provide
expert environmental control analysis
and recommend the most effective
system of product solutions.

26 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

NEWS #

Covid-19 impact: Pharma
players join hands to ensure

smooth production

The pharma industry in India Pharma, its Sikkim plant is operating in the state administration, explain the
is pulling out all the stops to ensure full swing.
that the production of medicines, challenges and what the requirements
essential in ghting the coronavirus The three leading industry
pandemic, does not suffer. In an associations — the IPA; the Indian are. Then companies also coordinate
unprecedented move, all major Drug Manufacturers’ Association
companies have come together to (IDMA), which represents mid-sized to see wherever they can to pool
help one another with knowledge and rms; and the Organisation of
sharing resources. Pharmaceutical Producers of India resources to transport goods,” said
(OPPI), which represents
Capacity utilisation at an all- multinational rms — are holding Jain.
India level, relating to both small and meetings every day, according to
big manufacturers, is 60-70 per cent, Sudarshan Jain, secretary general of The pharma industry has
which is higher than in most other the IPA.
industries. taken stringent measures to ensure
“The crisis has brought us
The Indian Pharmaceutical together. Moreover, the rms are also the safety of employees who come to
Alliance (IPA), the lobby group that helping one another to pool
represents India’s top 25 giants, has resources. For example, in the plant and the IPA had issued
said the biggest companies are able to manufacturing clusters, like Indore
operate normally despite the crisis. and Goa, companies are pooling guidelines that most companies are
Almost all the major drug rms have resources like trucks, and even helping
their units in Sikkim, where plants are one another to approach the following now. Apart from keeping a
operating at full capacity, industry said. regulators, etc in these areas,” Jain
Pankaj Patel, chairman of Cadila said. distancing on the shop oor and in
Healthcare, said production in Sikkim
was normal. Similarly, for Alembic “Let’s say, a Cipla and Lupin canteens, even the buses that
go together to present their case to
commute employees maintain a

distance. Every alternate seat

in the bus is kept empty, Patel said.

These buses are sanitized twice a day.

Temperature-screening kiosks check

every employee and companies are

following staggered shifts.

The problem of migrant

labour, which is ailing other industries,

is not much of an issue for the pharma

sector. Pranav Amin, chairman of

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 27

NEWS #

Alembic Pharmaceuticals, said the tablets,” Patel said. As a temporary manufacturers and are available round
sector required a certain level of measure production of HCQ is the clock for any issue that needs
expertise and usually the workforce happening in its Ahmedabad plant, addressing.
was rmly settled in the cities they too.
operated in. The AIOCD AWACS data
Patel also informed that the showed that there was adequate stock
“We have not seen any Centre had procured around 100 at the distributor level — with least
exodus of the workforce that is why. million tablets and states together being for anti-diabetic therapy (four
As such we have also made have procured 60-70 million tablets. weeks) and highest being for
arrangements of hostels for some of This can take care of more than one dermatology segment (eight weeks).
the migrant workers who work as crore people in the country. At Even anti-malarials have 52 days’
class 4 staff in our plants so that they present, exports are happening from inventory despite the recent spurt in
feel safe and are well taken care of,” Teva's Goa unit where it had stock of sales.
Amin explained. HCQ lying.
“This means that
Alembic's formulation plant is The exports of pharma goods pharmaceutical companies have done
operating at above 80 per cent are happening with coordination a fantastic job in manufacturing and
capacity while its active between the department of transporting to reach goods to CFA
pharmaceutical ingredients (API) plant pharmaceuticals, ministry of under very challenging circumstances
is operating at around 60-70 per cent commerce and also the ministry of of low workforce — in both
capacity. The company is also external affairs. production and transport areas. As
prioritising the manufacturing of drugs production and transport ramps up,
that are in high demand now, like “The government is doing the stock level can only go up and
azithromycin. stock taking of domestic production continue to stabilise, assuring the
and inventory regularly and then nation of no shortage of essential
Another Gujarat-based allowing exports. There would be no medicines,” said Ameesh Masurekar,
company Zydus is a leading producer shortage of medicines in the country,” director of AIOCD AWACS.
of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Patel said. Source: https://www.business-
it has already increased its capacity to standard.com/article/economy-
make both the API and the The industry says policy/covid-19-impact-pharma-
formulation manifold. “This month we government agencies are ensuring players-come-together-for-smooth-
are making 10 tonnes of the API that smooth production and transit of production-120041201080_1.html
can make 100 million tablets and next these essential items within the
month we will make 30 tonnes of the country. Jain said that the top
API that will make another 150 million bureaucrats are in WhatsApp groups
with associations and also

Need economic package and open industry
in staggered manner, says CII

The Confederation of Indian to be combined with provision of With the number of cases
Industry (CII) on Sunday demanded shelter and meals for the people, who continuing to rise at a fast clip, the
that the Centre announce an are in need of this. mapping of the country based on the
economic package and give adequate the incidence of cases is necessary, CII
notice before lifting the lockdown. It It has also backed the notion Director General Chandrajit Banerjee
also lent support to the growing calls that credit offtake needs to grow at said.
of a calibrated and safe exit from the least 14-15 per cent by the year-end.
lockdown. In an ambitious move, the CII has CII has also called for
suggested all banks provide additional prioritising and allowing industry to
The CII has argued in favour working capital to all rms, equivalent gradually start operating.
of the government providing direct to their three-month wage bill at
rations to affected populace rather interest rates between 4-5 per cent. Source: https://www.business-
than cash, therefore negating the standard.com/article/economy-
impact of ination, if any, on the In stressed sectors like policy/need-economic-package-and-
population and also ensuring that the construction, aviation or tourism, the open-industry-in-staggered-manner-
money is indeed spent on food and additional working capital also needs says-cii-120041201058_1.html
basic provisions. In addition, this needs to cover their interest obligation as
well, the chamber has said.

28 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

NEWS #

What to prioritise? Challenges galore for
business leaders post lockdown

With increasing worry and stress our activities running. For us the top CRUCIAL TIPS
among employees as well as rising three priorities are revival of demand,
loneliness, thanks to prolonged nance and operations. Being a B2B How organisations Manage
remote working, the organisation's company, the nancial health of our Covid-19's Impact on:
role in sustaining the well-being of institutional clients has an impact on
employees has become more our nancial health,” he says. § Customers: Building a
important than ever. The issue has
become more complicated with the Heading out, large companies better connected, responsive
kids at home and intersecting with in the non-durable consumer goods team
their parents' work day. As employees will have to be aggressive in their
prepare to return to work when the growth strategy, while smaller ones § Supply chain: Developing
lockdown is lifted, how are business will ght for survival, notes Vyas. On
leaders preparing for the months the other hand, large companies in a rapid response to address
ahead? What measures are they heavy industries will help the smaller the current disruptions and
adopting to keep productivity and ancillary companies survive because strengthening operations
morale high while making the most of the industries are more integrated preparation for future value
the dwindling resources? vertically. Sumit Joshi, vice-chairman chain risk; protecting the
and managing director (MD) of Signify health and welfare of supply
Mahesh Vyas, chief executive Innovations India Limited (formerly chain workers
ofcer of Centre for Monitoring Indian Philips Lighting India Limited), says
Economy, offers two scenarios. If the efforts to localise production and § Leadership: gaining and
lockdown is indeed lifted around April manufacturing in India to reduce
30, the priority will be to get a rm's dependence on other countries will maintaining trust by leaders
operations, including internal gather pace. Demonstrating their care for
processes, cash ow and the supply individuals as well as the
chain, back on track. The challenge is, Ganesh Natarajan, chairman wider workforce and
while consumer demand had been of 5F World, a platform to nurture community
weakening even before, it has been hit start-ups, says that in the
really hard by the lockdown. manufacturing and retail industry the § Workplace: managing
Maintaining top-line revenues will most important link is the supply chain
mean a market share struggle as the for raw materials and other shop oor more requests for remote
pie is not growing. inputs and the demand chain of working; preparing for higher
distributors, dealers and stockists. rates of risk leave
In the second scenario, says Business leaders will have to check out
Vyas, if the lockdown goes deep into the entire chain and replace any part *Source: Accenture
May, the rst priority will be organising that may have stopped functioning in
nance as most companies have cash the lockdown. Disintermediation and been overcome, leaders should
to survive only for about a month or enabling supplies to directly reach the remain on guard to ensure there is no
two. The next task would be to revive factory and also direct dispatch to end sudden cash crisis. Manufacturing to
demand and the third, to get the customers could be an option to be demand and not just for inventory and
operations back on track and that can evaluated. sourcing would be a wise strategy to
be done only if there is demand and adopt.”
nance. A tightrope walk, to put it He adds that the immediate
mildly. strategy should also be to ensure that For the hospitality industry,
business partners are comfortable and one of the worst affected, the return
Vyas says most services costs are managed so that there is no journey will be a bit different. Smita
sector companies have kept their alarming decline in top and bottom Jatia, MD of Hardcastle Restaurants
operations going by enabling lines. “Make sure that cash outows
employees to work from home. are minimised while assessing the
“More than half of CMIE is working ability of customers to pay on time. Till
from home and we have kept most of there is certainty that the virus has

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 29

NEWS #

(that owns and operates McDonald’s “Companies that have taken knee-jerk Pradeep Bakshi, MD & CEO
restaurants across South and West lay off, furlough or salary reduction of Voltas, has a different take. He
India), says all costs, including xed and decisions will nd it difcult to believes employees will come back
variable, will have to be revisited and a reinstate trust among people,” he better motivated. “They would have
new break-even will have to be says. utilised their time to accumulate
dened for the new normal. She says it knowledge digitally, invested in e-
would be safe to assume that That said, as corporations learning and training sessions to
consumers will continue to be struggle with their cash ows and with operate in a new deeply digitally-
apprehensive about stepping out for keeping their operations going, the connected world.”
some time and the trend in food will fear of job loss and pay-cuts would
move more towards home deliveries. loom large. Many are trying to keep So will "digital" be the make or
“Additionally, they will carefully their staff motivated with measures break for corporations? Is work from
choose places they are condent of, like e-counselling by specialists and home going to be the new normal? As
that are safe and hygienic. Given this, web seminars on topics such as Vaibhav Aggarwal, founder and CEO
one of our focus areas will be doubling managing uncertainty and change. of FabHotels, says, many businesses
down on our customer-rst “This crisis has also underlined the can't afford to have all workers
approach.” importance of employee engagement working remotely so most
and communication. We are also corporations will try to bring
She adds there are various conducting regular virtual coffee employees back to ofce in a
consumer sentiment reports that corners, wherein leaders engage with staggered manner. Zubin Saxena,
indicate that people are going to be team members over a video chat on a Radisson Hotel Group’s South Asia
extremely cautious about variety of issues,” says Joshi of Signify MD and vice-president (operations),
discretionary spending because of Innovations India. says when employees do come back it
economic uncertainty. “Given this, we would be payback time for their
will be focusing more on affordability Observers say smart bosses. “Many of our service staff took
and value for money.” companies will try to retain their key additional duties. Ensuring that we do
staff even as new recruitment will halt. enough to make them feel safe to
But consumer demand, Vaibhav Aggarwal, founder and CEO return to work is an important
nance and operations is 50 per cent of FabHotels, agrees: “We expect that consideration for us. Regular health
of the story. Ensuring physical and team additions would stop for some screening for employees will be a key
mental well-being of employees is the time as the need to conserve cash is responsibility for employers,” he says
other major concern and would be paramount.” That said many S o u r e : h t t p s : / / w w w. b u s i n e s s -
key to an organisation's survival. industries, particularly construction standard.com/article/economy-
and agriculture, will nd it difcult to policy/need-economic-package-and-
Natarajan says one of the top get labourers to come back to work. open-industry-in-staggered-manner-
priorities for business leaders should Many such workers would have says-cii-120041201058_1.html
be to ensure that people stay safely returned to their villages, their safe
socially-distanced as they get back to a heavens.
more "normal" working style.

30 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 31

32 MARCH - APRIL, 2020 SAVE THE DATE
JULY 15-17, 2020

JAVITS CENTER, NYC

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 33

2020 - 2021

Interphex 2020 PharmaLytica 2020 Lab Indonesia 2020
15 - 17 Jul 2020 9-11 September 2020 25-27 November 2020
Javits Center, NYC BEC, Goregaon, Mumbai Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran
www.interphex.com www.pharmalytica.in W : www.lab-indo.com

2020 CPhI india/ P-mec
25-27 November 2020
PharmaTech Expo 2020, PharmaTech Expo 2020, India Expo Center, Greater Noida,
Gandhinagar Chandigarh Delhi NCR, India
7-9 August 2020 8-10 October 2020 www.cphi.com/india
The Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar Parade Ground, Sector-17
www.pharmatechexpo.com/Gandhinagar Chandigarh Interphex Japan 2020
www.pharmatechexpo.com/Chandigarh 25-27 November 2020
Tokyo, Japan
www.interphex.jp/en/

CPhI China 2020
16-18 December 2020
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com/china

LabTech Expo 2020, Gandhinagar 2020 Pack Plus South 2020
7-9 August 2020 18-20 December 2020
The Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar LabTech Expo 2020, Chandigarh Hitex, Hyderabad
www.pharmatechexpo.com/Gandhinagar 8-10 October 2020 W: www.packplussouth.in
Parade Ground, Sector-17
Analytical Anacon India/India Lab Chandigarh Interpack Germany 2021
Expo 2020 www.pharmatechexpo.com/Chandigarh 25 Feb-3 Mar 2021
19-20 August 2020, Mumbai Dusseldorf, Germany
www.analyticaindia.com Propak Asia 2020 www.interpack.com
20-23 October 2020
BITEC, Bangkok,Thailand India Chem 2021
www.propakasia.com 17-19 March 2021
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
www.indiachem.in

34 MARCH - APRIL, 2020

MARCH - APRIL, 2020 35

Companyt Name Page No.

Ÿ Ambica Pharma Machines Pvt. Ltd. Back Cover

Ÿ Autopack Industries 7

Ÿ Brothers Pharmamach India Pvt. Ltd. Front Cover

Ÿ Chitra Machineries Pvt. Ltd. 38

Ÿ Cintex Industrial Corporation 24

Ÿ Ekcon Multifab 31

Ÿ Gandhi Automations Pvt. Ltd. 5

Ÿ GMM Pfaudler Ltd. Third Cover

Ÿ Inoxpa India Pvt. Ltd. 3

Ÿ Interphex 2020 32

Ÿ Kumar Process Consultants 6
& Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.

Ÿ Mifa Systems Pvt. Ltd. 31

Ÿ Neel Industrial Solutions 35

Ÿ Netzsch Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. 4

Ÿ Pam Pharmatech 33

Ÿ PharmaTech Expo 2020-Chandigarh Second Cover

Ÿ PharmaTech Expo 2020-Gandhinagar 12

Ÿ PharmaTechnologyIndex.com Pvt. Ltd. 37

Ÿ Quarte Agro Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. 16

Ÿ Rotolt Engineers Ltd. 11 701-702, Corporate House, Opp. Dinesh Hall,
Income Tax, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009
Ÿ Shree Vishwakarma Alu Projects Pvt. Ltd. 9
Ph : 079 - 27540493 / 30008999
Ÿ Suresh Enterprise 33 E-mail : [email protected]
Website: www.KnsMedia.com,
36
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MARCH - APRIL, 2020 37

38 MARCH - APRIL, 2020



March - April, 2020. VOLUME - 11. ISSUE-02.

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