At the time of Independence in 1947, the pharmaceutical business activity in India was dominated by the foreign pharmaceutical companies. It was at this critical time that a group of small manufacturers, wholly Indian and mainly consisting of technocrat entrepreneurs, got together with the clear objective of collectively supporting and bringing up indigenous production of pharmaceutical preparations. And thus was born the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association(IDMA). To help Indian manufacturers and to protect the interest of the Indian consumer IDMA was formed in 1961.

IDMA represents the national sector of the Indian manufacturers engaged in producing and providing high quality essential bulk actives and pharmaceuticals to the Nation and to the world at very reasonable prices.

The growth which the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has achieved is mainly due to the Indian Patents Act, 1970 which was one of the achievements of IDMA in strengthening the national sector. This vital piece of legislation was a landmark in giving the national sector the much needed impetus in manufacturing bulk actives from the basic stage and formulations thereof, thus enabling the country to attain the national objectives of self-sufficiency and self-reliance in the vital sector of Healthcare of the people.

IDMA has a membership of over 600 wholly-Indian large, medium and small companies, spread over the length and breadth of the country. The Association plays a vital role in the growth and development of the Industry by taking up with the Government major issues such as Price Control, Patents and Trade Marks Laws, Quality & GMP, R&D, Exports, etc. and promoting better understanding with Consumer organisations, the Press and other Media on the problems faced by the Industry. The National Sector has today grown into a strong and vibrant industry; and, with Government support, is well poised to meet the challenges post-2005.

In order to promote and help the growth of the national pharmaceutical industry, IDMA has instituted various Awards.

IDMA BEST PATENT AWARD:
Appreciating the talents of the large community of Research Scientists in our country and taking note of the need for greater emphasis on innovative Research for developing new drugs in India, IDMA recognised that innovation deserves to be encouraged and appreciated and instituted this Award in 2001.

IDMA G.P. NAIR AWARDS:
Instituted in 1970, the IDMA G.P. NAIR Awards are given to the First Rank B.Pharm. students of all Indian Universities and distributed during the Annual Day Celebrations of IDMA held every year.

IDMA RESEARCH AWARDS:
In order to encourage R&D in the country, IDMA has instituted "Research Awards" for the best ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLES published in the "Indian Drugs" every year, from the year 1991-92 in the disciplines of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy, and Industrial Pharmaceutics.

IDMA GOLD, SILVER AND MERIT QUALITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
IDMA Quality Excellence Awards were instituted in 1984 for the purpose of appreciation and promotion of excellence and product quality among IDMA members awarded on turnover basis.

IDMA APA EMINENT ANALYST AWARD:
Conferred on an Indian citizen of high integrity for his life-time contribution and expertise in the field of Quality Assurance/Quality Control and presented at the annual Pharmaceutical Analysts' Convention.

IDMA-APA YOUNG ANALYST AWARD:
Given in recognition of the potential to a young a professional Analyst, recognising the need to encourage and promote such talent and  presented at the annual Pharmaceutical Analysts' Convention.