Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Sadananda Gowda today launched four schemes of Department of Pharmaceuticals for promotion of domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices parks in the country.<br />'' <br />''Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gowda said that this in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his clarion call for making India Atmanirbhar in pharma sector.<br />'' <br />''For this, the government has approved four schemes, two each for Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices parks.<br />'' <br />''This opens the door for critical API production and manufacturing of high end medical devices.<br />'' <br />''The Minister exhorted the industry and the states to come forward and participate in these schemes.<br />'' <br />''He said, India is often referred to as 'the Pharmacy of the World' and this has been proved true especially in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when India continued to export critical life saving medicines to needy countries.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">However, he said, it is a matter of concern that the country is critically dependent on imports for basic raw materials that are used to produce some of the essential medicines.</span><br />