THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In Alappuzha, the public drug manufacturer KSDP gears up to launch a new initiative anticipated to up the availability of cancer drugs. Industry Minister P Rajiv reveals expectations of achieving a turnover of 100 crores in this fiscal year.

The Oncology Pharma Park situated in Alappuzha's Kalavur region is poised to churn out an impressive annual production capacity: 6 crore tablets, 4.5 crore capsules and 37 lakh intravenous drugs. Focusing on in-demand early-stage oncology drug formulations, the company's vision aligns with identified high-demand drugs totalling 20 oncology solutions in Kerala and neighbouring states.

Efforts have been made to collaborate with key health organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to ensure affordability for the general populace. Notably, consultations with renowned oncologists from India and overseas have informed KSDP's strategies.

With the rising number of cancer patients in India, a recent report from the Indian Council for Medical Research highlights the increased financial burden of cancer care nearly threefold compared to other non-communicable diseases.

Spread across 6.38 acres in Kalavur, the cancer drug manufacturing facility boasts a total investment of Rs 231 crores funded by KIFB. Noteworthy is the company's revenue of 122 crores in the 2020-21 financial year where the manufacturing of sanitizers during the pandemic contributed to its gains.

The company is actively collaborating with the Regional Cancer Center and Malabar Cancer Center to identify crucial drugs and expedite their production.