The Growing Global Dependence on Indian Pharma
India’s pharmaceutical industry is broadening its scope each year.
We offer over 60,000 generic medicines, positioning ourselves as pioneers in the field.
Our products reach over 210 countries, making healthcare accessible to all.
India leads in USFDA-approved plants outside the US, a mark of quality.
In FY 2023, India exported $27 billion+ worth of pharmaceuticals globally
India’s drug exports soared to $27.85 billion in 2023-24, a robust 10% increase from the previous year.
March stood out with a striking 12% surge in exports.
The US accounts for around 31% of India’s pharmaceutical exports.
This reflects global confidence in Indian medicines.
Such a significant figure emphasizes the vital role Indian pharmaceuticals play in healthcare around the world.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Importers
Global trade depends on importing goods, but this process has challenges.
Companies must address issues that waste time, drain budgets, and hurt quality to stay efficient.
Quality Assurance
Importers are expected to verify that their products meet local safety and quality criteria.
Careless quality checks can lead to returns or bans.
Regulatory Complexity
Importers must manage rules and regulations that vary by country.
To avoid costly delays and penalties, follow the laws, submit the right forms, and get the necessary approvals.
Communication Barriers
It isn’t always easy to connect with suppliers. Language and time differences can cause mistakes with orders, prices, or delivery times.
Logistics & Delays
Moving goods across countries tests time and patience.
Weather delays and port congestion are frustrating. Missing containers can hit importers’ bottom lines hard.
Smart Solution #1: Vet & Verify Manufacturers
When selecting a pharmaceutical manufacturer, safety and quality are critical considerations.
Verify the company’s reputation and approval to guarantee medicine safety and quality.
Use the Pharmexcil database and CDSCO approvals list
Check first if the manufacturer is listed on Pharmexcil. Next, confirm the drug has CDSCO approval.
To simplify the process, visit the CDSCO website or the SUGAM portal, where you can download the latest approval lists.
Request Key Compliance Documents
Reach out to the manufacturer for confirmation of CDSCO approval and related records.
This step ensures the drug meets safety, quality, and legal standards before use or sale.
Perform third-party audits of large consignments.
Large orders need added assurance. Have an independent expert review medicines and manufacturers to ensure safety and protect your business and patients.
Smart Solution #2: Build Proactive Communication Channels
Effective communication is crucial for parcel delivery.
It helps set clear expectations, avoid mistakes, and make customers happier.
Creating open communication can speed up delivery and build customer loyalty.
Use collaboration tools: WhatsApp Business, Microsoft Teams
Collaboration tools make it easier to communicate while delivering parcels.
They keep everyone connected in real time, so issues get tracked and resolved faster.
Set response time SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
Clear SLAs for response times make a big difference. They inform everyone about expected updates.
This helps avoid disappointment. Having response time, SLAs build trust with customers.
It aligns with their expectations and improves service quality.
Appoint bilingual or region-expert liaisons.
For clear communication, it’s essential to have bilingual and region-specific experts on hand.
They help lift language barriers in diverse settings and get a handle on all the local subtleties.
They have a deep awareness of their consumers’ demands. Conversations are relevant and efficient.
Proactive communication cuts errors by 47%, making customers happier.
Smart Solution #3: Standardize Documentation
Organizing your documents is essential. Standardizing your paperwork makes it easier to avoid errors.
This way, you can save time and earn your customers’ trust.
Pre-shipment checklist:
Ensure a smooth shipping process by carefully reviewing package contents.
A checklist is the key to completing every essential step.
Use digital documentation platforms.
Digital platforms serve as your key to quicker and simpler document management.
With tools like DocuSign and blockchain supply chain apps, you can stay organized.
They also make it easy to update customers about their deliveries.
This reduces mistakes and builds trust in a short period.
Smart Solution #4: Ensure Quality Control Through Third-Party Inspection
Product delivery hinges on quality. Customers abandon trust, and profits plummet when items are damaged or incorrect.
Inspections help catch errors and keep customers satisfied.
Engage global quality assurance agencies.
Partnering with top inspection firms like SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas sets the standard for product assurance.
Their expertise ensures safety and precision, keeping every package in great shape.
These agencies are famous around the world for their strict testing rules.
They ensure your goods satisfy criteria for quality before they go on sale.
Conduct:
Smart Solution #5: Optimize Logistics & Shipping
Effective logistics play a huge role in delivering pharma products on time and in good condition.
Right decisions lead to happy customers, thriving businesses, and better health outcomes.
Work with pharma-specialized freight forwarders.
Pharmaceutical shipping needs care and skill. By working with experts, you protect your cold-chain needs.
Experts in customs and medical rules ensure timely and careful medicine delivery. This helps avoid errors and delays.
Ensure:
Reliable shipping is key to great service and earning customer trust.
Customers stay informed about their stuff, and that’s taken care of, too.
Smart Solution #6: Secure Payment Mechanisms
When shipping parcels, especially across borders, using secure payment methods is very helpful.
They guard buyers and sellers against fraud and payment problems.
This way, trades can happen with confidence.
Use Irrevocable Letters of Credit (LC).
Irrevocable Letters of Credit (LC) are like a safety net for businesses.
It ensures that sellers are paid quickly while buyers get their desired goods.
With banks in charge, payment is secure once all conditions are met.
It reduces trust issues and the risk of fraud, especially when shipping internationally.
Smart Solution #7: Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships
Developing strong, lasting ties with suppliers opens doors to excellence.
When companies team up, several benefits arise.
Efficiency goes up, errors go down, and customers are often more satisfied.
Strategic partnerships vs. transactional deals
A strategic partnership is a long-term alliance with your supplier.
By collaborating in a close manner, both of you can grow and succeed.
This teamwork helps to handle challenges like delayed shipments and busy seasons.
Strong partnerships reduce errors and improve communication.
On the flip side, transactional deals are quick and done in no time.
However, they don’t build trust and offer little help when issues arise.
For instance, if there’s a delayed delivery or a lost package, it’s harder to resolve without a reliable partner.
Strong relationships with suppliers make planning easier.
They help handle problems better and keep customers updated.
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Pharma Imports
Smart tools are crucial to secure a smooth future for pharma imports.
Strong planning is essential for a smooth process. Carefully reviewing suppliers ensures high quality.
Clear communication creates strong connections.
Teaming up with reliable allies helps to steer clear of delays and issues.
Digital tools direct us, ensuring quality checks are in place.
They create strong relationships that build trust in the supply chain.
As a result, healthcare providers safeguard patients’ well-being for years to come.