The Daily PulseGeneral
Government proposes ten new import hubs for medicines and medical devices
Reported by Kunal Bhatia (Senior Writer) · The Hindu - National ·
Reported by one source so far
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsThe Union Health Ministry has tabled a draft amendment to add ten inland container depots, a special economic zone and an airport as new authorised entry points for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics.
Details
The proposed sites are ICD Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana; ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; ICD Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; ICD Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad, Telangana; and ICD Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ministry also wants to include SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh for air imports.
Purpose
The change aims to let importers clear consignments nearer to their factories, warehouses and distribution centres. Shorter inland trips should cut logistics costs, speed up delivery and lower delays for medicines, devices and cosmetics across the country.
Procedure
The amendment modifies Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which lists the ports, airports, rail stations and road crossings approved for drug imports. The ministry has opened a public comment period; objections or suggestions can be sent to the Under‑Secretary (Drugs Regulation) or emailed to drugsdiv‑mohfw@gov.in. After reviewing feedback, the amendment will be taken forward.
Context
Expanding the gateway network is part of a broader push to strengthen India’s healthcare supply chain and reduce reliance on a few import points that can cause bottlenecks.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
The health ministry has drafted an amendment to Rule 43A, proposing ten new inland container depots, one special economic zone and an international airport as authorised entry points for importing medicines, medical devices and cosmetics.
Why It Matters
By spreading import points across more states, the move reduces the distance that shipments travel inland, which cuts fuel and handling costs. Faster, cheaper logistics help keep drug prices stable and ensure that hospitals and pharmacies receive supplies without long delays, especially in regions far from existing ports.
What Happens Next
The draft is open for comments from industry players, state authorities and the public. After the comment period ends, the ministry will review the feedback and, if satisfied, will finalize the amendment through the standard rule‑making process. Once approved, the new gateways will become operational, allowing importers to clear goods closer to their own facilities.
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