Dr. Cyrus S Poonawalla, chairman of Serum Institute, India's largest vaccine manufacturers, received the 'Lifetime Achievement' award at the 'Hi Tech Pune - Maharashtra 2006' conference in Pune.
The award was given by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilas Rao Deshmukh. The award is in recognition of Dr. Poonawalla's 'commitment for making quality vaccines to protect the under-privileged children of the world at very affordable prices. Ashok Chavan, Minister for Industries, Balasaheb Thorat, Minister for Agriculture and Suresh Kalmadi, MP were also present on the occasion.
Serum Institute of India is World's largest DTP (Triple) and measles vaccine manufacturer and has been responsible for bringing down the prices of hepatitis-B vaccines in India. The company's products are exported to over 140 countries worldwide. Dr. Poonawalla was awarded the "Padma Shri" in 2005. He also received the "Sabin Humanitarian Award" in 2005 in USA.