Committed to quality and accessible healthcare services:OPPI

Pledging its support to providing "quality healthcare and accessible medicines" to all, the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) today said the sector needs a "supportive" atmosphere with collaboration between the government and different stakeholders.
OPPI, which represents research-driven pharma companies in India, has continued its advocacy for an environment that allows innovation in medicine.
"India needs a supportive ecosystem that balances the need for innovation with the necessity for more accessible medicines. OPPI remains committed to partnering with government to help fulfil the dream of quality healthcare for all," OPPI Director General Ranjana Smetacek said at its 48th annual general meeting held here.

Commenting on government's decision to withdraw guidelines that gave NPPA the power to fix prices of drugs in certain circumstances in public interest, Smetacek said, "We appreciate government's decision to withdraw the guidelines on fixation/revision of prices of scheduled and non-scheduled formulations under Para 19 of the DPCO 2013."
"This welcome move tells us we are being heard. We are still trying to understand the precise impact of this order on our member companies," she added.
"We now have a government with a decisive mandate to fulfil its promises of good governance, transparency in policy making and a corruption-free pro-growth agenda. The pharmaceutical industry is ready and eager to join hands with the new Government to address the complex challenge of access to quality and affordable healthcare for all the people of our country," OPPI President Shailesh Ayyangar said.

The first ever OPPI Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Nihchal H Israni, Chairman, Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd, recognising his contribution to the Indian pharmaceutical industry for over six decades.