Hyderabad: Pharma firms flout norms

Hyderabad: Water samples in and around pharmaceutical companies in Hyderabad have highlighted the presence of heavy metals and industrial solvents which are causing a major pollution crisis, according to a report by NORDEA. 

Field trips were made from September to December 2017, water samples were tested and those living close to the pharmaceutical companies were evaluated for their health. The water samples had high levels of arsenic, zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel and hexavalent chromium. 

The report found that Hyderabad and its outskirts were a major pharmaceutical hub for bulk drugs and generic drugs. Despite policy decisions and continuous campaigns, the situation at the ground level has not improved. 

The report has found that pollution from production of antibiotics continues and has spread antimicrobial resistance within the region. It was found that the good manufacturing processes were not followed. 

DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals, which is a part of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations, stated that the European and US markets must go further by committing to buy APIs only from manufacturers that do not pollute the environment.  

This was demanded as they found that the regulation authority in India was not holding the pharmaceutical firms accountable. 

The report stated that recent developments indicated that the regulation targeting the pharmaceutical industry was actually becoming lax as the government lifted restrictions on plant expansions. 

The report warned that by failing to crack down on manufacturing emissions, Indian pharma manufacturers risk jeopardising supply contracts from Europe, UK and other regulated markets which are keeping a close watch on the environmental pollution prevalentin the region. 

The investigation report of water samples tested in and around Hyderabad 

• In Bachupally and Jeedimetla  heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, zinc, nickel and copper were found. 
• Borpatla zone had large concentration of hexavalent chromium, nickel, zinc and solvents.
• Rudraram zone had resistant bacteria and antimicrobials.  
• Pashamylaram sone had resistant bacteria and antimicrobials.  
• Patancheru/ Bollaram zone had a large amount of nickel, zinc and hexavalent chromium. 
• In Gaddapotharam zone resistance to fluoroquinolones, antimicrobials and cephalosphorins was detected. 
• In Bonthapally zone resistance to cephalosphorins.  
• In Central Hyderabad seven types of fluoroquinolones were  detected. 
• In Musi/ Edulabad zone seven types of fluoroquinolones were detected. 
• Polepally zone resistance to cephalosphorins, carbapenems and fluoroquinolones was detected.