The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) hosted its Fourth Healthcare Access Summit earlier this month. This event built upon the themes of previous summits, bringing together policy-makers, leaders from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, healthcare experts and other distinguished professionals. Participants discussed diverse aspects of healthcare access and potential solutions, at the day-long event 

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India requested the healthcare industry to become self reliable on things which we are dependent to other countries. Ahir said that the core objective is to work for the betterment of the country’s population. He also mentioned that the government wants to increase the production capabilities of the industry and avail affordable medicines to the needy people of the country. “Our ministry is constantly working on this space and I request to the industry to work along with the government,” he said.

During the inauguration, Dr VK Subburaj, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals spoke about the current state of healthcare scenario in India.  He began his address by recalling the evolution of the global and Indian pharma industry and the importance of medicines. He talked about the growing disease burden worldwide, and especially in India.  He stressed upon the fact that India lags behind in addressing disease burden. 

Dr K Srinath Reddy, President, PHFI, highlighted the need for technology-enabled public healthcare system and centralised government’s drug procurement systems.  

During the event, OPPI also announced the Healthcare Access Award 2015 which was bagged by Narayana Health. Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Healthjordans for sale Shoes