Trial by fire: Over 60% of pharma SMEs may be forced to shut shop
Published on: Dec. 16, 2025, 1:26 a.m. | Source: The Economic Times
India is estimated to have about 12,000 drug manufacturing units. The units that risk being shut down account for about Rs 75,000 crore of India's Rs 2.5 lakh crore domestic drug market, the executives said. This may result in shortages of antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatory medicines, analgesic, anti-cough and cold tablets, diabetes drugs and general medicines, among others, said a pharma industry expert, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "The shortages of medicines will be seen across the country. Many of these units also cater to government supplies along with supplies to tier-II and tier-III cities and exports."
