Indian Medical Industry benefited from the II World War

The Second World War accelerated the growth of medical supplies like pharmaceuticals & surgical instruments. Following is a reproduction of an article published in Daily Telegraph and North Murchison and Pilbarra Gazette on 18 October 1941. A week later The Beverley Times also printed the news and several other newspapers followed suit.  

INDIA MAKING MEDICAL SUPPLIES 

The war has stimulated Indian production of medical supplies to such an extent that 292 drugs and many items of medical supplies which were formerly imported are now being manufactured in the country. Twenty eight of these drugs are now being made in sufficient quantities for export. In addition, India is making 75 percent of the surgical instruments she requires for Army and Civil needs. 

The majority of rubber articles used in hospitals are also being manufactured in India. A substitute for cod liver oil is being made from the liver of sharks caught in Indian waters. Samples of dried blood , plasma for transfusions are being tested by Army Medical authorities prior to bulk manufacture, an Indian chloroform has passed the tests, while 'vitamins to reinforce soldiers' diet are now being supplied from native amla berries.