Implications for Indian pharmaceutical sector in the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime

The paper examines the factors that are likely to influence the pharmaceutical industry in India in the new WTO regime and the preparedness of government, research organizations and firms to compete in this scenario. The study shows that government has made some important changes after the signing of WTO agreement in 1994, but there are still some contentious issues that require attention. Beginnings have been made by firms and research organizations to confront the challenges ahead by increasing R&D investment, patenting activity and adopting novel strategies. Implications of this study in the policy context are discussed.