The 73rd Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) commenced on July 5 at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, showcasing stalls, conferences, paper presentations, and industry leaders' deliberations.

The event, running until July 7, was inaugurated by Batti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, alongside Minister for Information Technology and Industry & Commerce D Sridhar Babu; Minister for Roads and Buildings Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy; Dr. B Parthasarathi Reddy, Chairman of IPC and Hetero Group, and Dr T. V Narayana, President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association and Secretary of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPCA).

In his presidential address, Dr Narayana presented the IPCA report, emphasising innovative healthcare solutions and the pivotal role of students in shaping the global pharma and healthcare sectors to improve health outcomes. He highlighted Telangana's significant contribution, accounting for 35% of global pharmaceutical supplies.

Dr Parthasarathi Reddy underscored the congress's commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through innovation, stressing the importance of the younger generation in driving advancements.

Minister Sridhar Babu reiterated the congress theme's relevance in meeting global healthcare needs. He emphasised the transformative potential of current technologies, including IT and AI, in tackling healthcare challenges. He also announced the Telangana government's initiative to establish specialised universities aimed at enhancing skills in digital and life sciences.

Minister Komati Reddy expressed the Telangana government's commitment to expanding super-specialty hospitals to serve the disadvantaged and underprivileged through the Raji Arogyasri Scheme.

Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka highlighted the crucial role of pharmacists as the first point of contact in healthcare systems, ensuring the provision of high-quality essential medicines. He expressed optimism about Telangana's potential to achieve exports worth Rs 1 lakh crore in medicines over the next five years.

The inaugural event was attended by 8,500 delegates from various pharmaceutical companies. There are 75 sessions organized covering various fields of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice.