OPPI Annual Summit Outlines India’s Path to Becoming a Global Pharmaceutical Leader

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) held its prominent Annual Summit in New Delhi, bringing together an esteemed gathering of government officials, regulators, industry pioneers, academic figures, patient support organizations, innovators, and other vital stakeholders. Under the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047 – India’s Transition from the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ to a ‘Pharma Superpower,'” the summit articulated a vision for India’s healthcare progression. Key discussions revolved around innovation, skills enhancement, and technology, with a concentrated effort on improving access to high-quality healthcare nationwide.

Bhushan Akshikar, OPPI president and vice president & managing director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, commented on the event, saying, “As we strive towards a healthcare future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable for India, OPPI remains steadfast in our mission of Bharat Ke Liye, delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions to Indian patients. As an industry, collaborating with all ecosystem partners is crucial to implementing meaningful solutions for the present and laying the foundation for India’s future as a global leader in pharmaceuticals. Together, we are crafting an accessible and transformational future in healthcare for all.”

Anil Matai, OPPI’s director general, added, “The OPPI Annual Summit honors the pharmaceutical sector’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reflecting our collective ambition for a strong healthcare ecosystem where progress aligns with patient needs. India is on the brink of an extraordinary leap in healthcare, poised for a pivotal contribution by the pharmaceutical industry in achieving the ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ vision. By harnessing innovation, we aim to shift from being the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ to a true global pharmaceutical force. We must continue to foster a climate valuing research, innovation, and robust healthcare infrastructure. This summit presents a valuable forum for industry leaders to discuss how we can build on this legacy and propel India to new heights in delivering secure and forward-looking healthcare solutions globally.”

The event featured the launch of reports and practical booklets, “Viksit Bharat@2047 – Transitioning India from the Pharmacy of the World to a Global Pharma Powerhouse” in collaboration with EY, and “Winning in Indian Healthcare,” in collaboration with BCG. Additionally, booklets on “Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs” and the “Value of Innovation” were released, emphasizing innovation and raising awareness on OTC drug use.

The EY-OPPI report, titled “Viksit Bharat@2047 – Transitioning India from Pharmacy of the World to a Global Pharma Powerhouse,” outlines the essential growth drivers for India’s pharmaceutical industry to emerge as a global leader. It envisions a robust, inclusive healthcare system where policy makers, providers, pharma firms, and patient advocates work in unison to elevate patient care. Achieving these ambitions will spotlight India’s healthcare model as an emblem of innovation and fair access.

As India’s pharmaceutical market braces for significant growth, the “Winning in Indian Healthcare” report by BCG and OPPI delves into the transformative forces shaping this critical domain. Amidst an expanding economy, streamlined policies, and digital health advancements, the report delves into India’s unique healthcare prospects. It discusses growth catalysts (increased demand driven by an aging population, a growing middle class, and a chronic disease burden), alongside hurdles like regulatory complexities, fragmented payer infrastructure, and market challenges. To succeed in this changing landscape, global pharma players must reevaluate strategy, invest in access initiatives, and forge global partnerships. The report is a strategic blueprint for navigating India’s dynamic yet challenging healthcare environment.

The dual-language FAQs (Hindi and English) on the Value of Innovation stress the vital role of R&D and innovation in the biopharma sector, covering costs and timelines related to drug development and the necessity of fortifying the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework.

Another crucial release was the FAQs on Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs in India, highlighting the growing acceptance of OTC medications, particularly for managing chronic and lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and heart ailments. This move toward proactive, self-managed care is crucial for enhancing public health outcomes while optimizing healthcare resource utilization.

The summit’s discussions ranged across various themes, including “Winning in Indian Healthcare: The impact of global pharma companies on Indian Healthcare and the Road Ahead,” “Viksit Bharat @2047: Transitioning India from the Pharmacy of the World to a Global Pharma Superpower,” and “Collaborative Strategies: To Improve Healthcare Access in India.”

The exceptional contributions and innovations in the healthcare sector were commemorated and acknowledged with the prestigious OPPI Awards. These accolades celebrated excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare in Bharat.