OPPI: Innovative Drug Companies Committed to Improving Access in India
Improving access through innovation and research and development aimed at finding tomorrow's cures will continue to remain the primary focus for innovative pharmaceutical companies in India. This was stated at the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India's Conclave on 'Access, Innovation and Reach of Healthcare in India' held at the Nehru Centre.
- (1888PressRelease) August 01, 2012 - OPPI identifies itself with the country's national healthcare objectives and plays an active role in achieving them. Towards this endeavour, the Conclave intended to bring together distinguished globally-acclaimed professionals, experts, government officials and other stakeholders of the healthcare and allied sectors to chart a way forward to help achieving the healthcare goals of India. Among those who participated were Mr Dilsher Singh Kalha, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, Dr (Ms) Nata Menabde, WHO-India Representative and Dr K Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).
According to OPPI, research-based pharmaceutical companies have created roughly 50 health partnerships over the last decade that have been helping improve the health of millions of people. While some have increased participation in charitable programs and joint public-private initiatives aimed at treating infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, others are furthering disease awareness programs and building support networks for doctors and patients, all while continuing research and development to find new cures and treatments.
According to Tapan Ray, Director-General of OPPI, "Access to healthcare comprises not just of medicines, but more importantly a robust healthcare infrastructure including, doctors, paramedics, diagnostics, health centres and hospitals. In India the demand for these services has outstripped supply. However, the key focus of the Government has still remained primarily on access to medicines. There is an urgent need to have a holistic approach in developing adequate healthcare infrastructure, efficient delivery system for medical supplies and creation of a talent pool of healthcare professionals/paramedics to ensure adequate access to healthcare for all the citizens of the country. OPPI has undertaken a study on 'Enhancing Healthcare Access in India'. The study aims at identifying the key barriers in accessing healthcare today, what needs to be done to eliminate these barriers and develop a roadmap for improving healthcare access in the country."
According to Ranjit Shahani, President, OPPI, "Research-based pharmaceutical companies have a long legacy of corporate responsibility in India, with countless contributions to the improvement of health outcomes in the country. We are working every day around the clock to find new treatments and cures for society's greatest health problems."
Talking on the occasion, on Improved Public Health, Dr Nata Menabde, WHO India representative said, "If the government provides effective financing so that the services can be responsibly deliver to the people, ensure fair regulation and provide the necessary human resource; the performance (of healthcare provision) will dramatically improve. This performance can be quantified as easier access to facilities, better quality of services and higher system efficiency. This will ultimately contribute towards Improved Population Health."
Dr. K Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India further added on the Government's plans, "The Journey towards a better Healthcare System in India has begun with the Prime Minister Announcing that the 12th Five Year Plan as the Health Plan. There will be an increase in Public Financing from 2.5% of which 2% will be for health & 0.5% water & sanitation, cashless treatment, etc., which would lead to increased public expenditure & there should be greater emphasis on primary healthcare, strengthening & adaptation of district hospitals, ensuring access to free generic medicines in government facilities, expanding Human resources in the Health Sector."
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