OPPI advocates for policies that promote scientific temperament
11 October 2018 | News
OPPI also released its annual publication- ‘In Science we trust’.
The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) celebrated their 52nd Annual Day recently. Themed #HealthMeetsHope, the Chief Guest of the Annual Day celebrations, Shri. Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh delivered the inaugural address. At the event, he also released OPPI’s annual publication- ‘In Science we trust’. Science continues to transform and inspire humankind and this publication has content curated from across the globe on developments, large and small across a broad spectrum of scientific research that have promoted purpose and wellbeing in the society.
Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Health Minister, Uttar Pradesh appreciated OPPI’s efforts in building the pharma landscape of India.
Speaking about the relevance of the OPPI Annual Day theme ‘Health Meets Hope’, Singh said it is “relevant” with the pharma industry delivering "hope" while facilitating ‘health’ remains the responsibility of Government. He believes that the industry and Government need to collaborate to deliver a sustainable model of healthcare.
Elaborating on the efforts to improve health outcomes in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Singh mentioned that the state with a population of 23 crore people it recorded a low levels of AMR and mortality rates- both maternal and infant.
Singh said that the State is focused on leveraging technology for improving healthcare delivery.
Incentivising the industry through mega pharma parks with fully equipped R&D centres and pathological laboratories, he said, “UP is a land of ‘Unlimited Potential’ so I urge you to come to Uttar Pradesh and enjoy the ease of doing business here. We have a single window system that allows quick approvals and vlearances. Above all, we adhere to ethical practices in the best interest of our people."
Speaking on the occasion, A.Vaidheesh, President- OPPI and Vice President, South Asia & Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd said, “Millions of patients, over the world are in good health today, because of scientific research that has brought new treatments to them. Discovery of new treatments calls for dedicated commitment from researchers fueled by hope from patients as they battle diseases, both known and unknown. Research in medicine does not end with one discovery it is a series of continuous efforts to better outcomes for patients. As we celebrate the 52nd OPPI Annual Day, we celebrate this very spirit of science as OPPI members are committed to bringing newer treatments for unmet medical needs.”
Kanchana TK, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, added, “Our annual publication ‘In Science We Trust’ acknowledges the fact that scientific advancements enable social change and need thoughtful public policies that promote innovation and discovery. Collaborative partnerships between Government, research institutions, the industry and Academia to drive the scientific temperament is required for the progress of mankind.”
The event also witnessed the release of the ‘inclUsion’ a compendium of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives of OPPI members. Commenting on the release, Kanchana TK continued, “Diversity and inclusion reinforce organizational performance. It needs to be on the dashboard of every business head and not just remain a HR responsibility. OPPI member companies have several initiatives for D&I that makes for an inclusive ecosystem that fosters a more productive and collaborative work environment, in which there are many you’s and one us.”
OPPI conferred the OPPI Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 to Dr Abhay and Dr Rani Bang, Indian social activists, and researchers known in the medical fraternity for their ground-breaking research on community health in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
OPPI acknowledged the outstanding contribution of scientists towards finding innovative methods for developing a healthier today and tomorrow. Prof Padma Venkitachalam Devarajan (Professor in Pharmacy, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology) was awarded the OPPI Scientist award. Dr Sripada S. V. Rama Sastry (Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali) was handed over the OPPI Young Scientist award. Dr Indu Pal Kaur (Professor of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Punjab University) won the OPPI Women Scientist award.
