Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram Airports Open for Drug Imports

This initiative follows a similar move in June 2023, where the Ministry permitted drug imports through Gangavaram Port at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The Health Master

March 1, 2024

Export import of Drugs in Airlines Cargo — Picture: Pixabay

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Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by The Health Master

Drug Imports

The landscape of drug import regulations in India is undergoing a significant shift, as the Union health ministry has taken proactive measures to expand the avenues for drug imports.

In a move that could streamline the process and enhance accessibility, the ministry is considering the inclusion of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports in Kerala as designated entry points for drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Rules, 1945.

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The Initiative Unveiled

In a noteworthy development, the Ministry, in consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), has introduced a draft amendment to the existing regulations.

This amendment aims to broaden the scope of airports through which drugs can be imported by air.

The proposed inclusion of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports marks a strategic expansion, bringing the total number of designated airports to eleven.

Key Details of the Draft Amendment

The ministry has released a draft amendment for public awareness, allowing stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback.

According to the announcement, the draft rules will be open for consideration for a period of thirty days from the date of publication in the Gazette of India.

During this timeframe, the Central government will entertain objections and suggestions, actively involving the community in the decision-making process.

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Current Scenario and Proposed Changes

Presently, the D&C Rules specify ten airports as the designated entry points for drug imports by air:

Chennai,
Kolkata,
Mumbai,
Delhi,
Ahmedabad,
Hyderabad,
Goa,
Bengaluru, and
Visakhapatnam.

The proposed amendment seeks to replace “Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam” with “Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Cochin, and Thiruvananthapuram,” effectively adding these two Kerala airports to the list.

Cochin International Airport – A Unique Entity

Cochin International Airport, operated by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), holds the distinction of being the first airport in the country built under Public Private Partnership.

Established in 1999, this airport boasts an impressive track record, handling 61,231 international and domestic aircraft and a cargo volume of 72,818.20 MT during the 2022-23 period.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, established in 1932, ranks as the second busiest in Kerala and the fourteenth busiest in the country.

Notably, the Adani Group assumed operations and management in October 2021, following a successful bidding process conducted by the Ministry of Aviation.

Integration with Seaport

The strategic positioning of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport gains significance due to its proximity to the upcoming Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport.

Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024, this port, built under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd, is set to play a crucial role in container transhipment and handling various cargo types.

Recent Developments

This initiative follows a similar move in June 2023, where the Ministry permitted drug imports through Gangavaram Port at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The inclusion of additional ports like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram aligns with the government’s efforts to create a more robust and inclusive framework for drug importation.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.