Event

A congregation of the industry, for the industry

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

What happens when the who's who of the industry come together? They talk about challenges and discuss strategies to overcome them. Aptly titled, Pharmaceutical Leadership Summit 2006, the event witnessed a coming together of great minds of the Indian pharma, who shared their views on topics that were close to their hearts, with a view to make this knowledge industry the next big thing for the country.

Samprada Singh, Chairman, Alkem Labs, opened the conference with his inaugural address. Ranjit Shahani, President OPPI and Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Novartis was one of the keynote speakers. He elaborated on the strategic issues that posed as roadblocks for pharma companies in India. Chandra Sekhar Sahu, the Honourable Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Government of India spoke on Indian talent. "We have the skills and capabilities, but we are not capitalising them," he expressed. "The world is looking at India as a destination. This is the time to bring out the hidden potential. The Indian pharmaceutical industry will probably be the most happening sector in the next decade" added Sahu.

IPR is undoubtedly the hottest topic of discussion for the pharmaceutical industry. Intellectual property protection strongly influences the investment decisions of various pharmaceutical companies, Ajit Dangi, Director General, OPPI commented. "There are better ways to protect what you create," he said. The facets of an ideal IPR policy for India is that which would not only keep in mind the nation's interest, but also take care of the healthcare needs. It should also encourage R&D and increase accessibility of medicines.

Kewal Handa, Managing Director, Pfizer, said that India is becoming a global player, and is no more a territory of dumb people, but a training ground. "We have not done what we were supposed to do, and we are responsible for it," he said. Deepak Naik, Managing Director, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, presented his point of view on ethical and unethical practices. Discussing the difference about legal and ethical he also said, "We are not in the profession of selling dawa but collecting dua."