The 64th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) is beginning on December 7 in Chennai. It is an event who's who of pharma industry and pharmacy trade looking forward to. S V Veeramani, Chairman of the 64th IPC and Chairman & Managing Director, Fourrts (India) Laboratories Pvt Ltd spoke to Peethambaran Kunnathoor about the preparedness of three-day grant event. Excerpts from the interview:
Sir, The 64th IPC begins on 7th of December, What are the preparations for this year’s IPC ?
The preparations for the 64th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) is going on in full swing. The Scientific Programmes and the speakers for various sessions have been finalized. There are over 100 speakers from across the globe. His excellency Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India will be inaugurating the Congress on 6th December 2012 at 5.00 pm at SRM University Auditorium.
How will the 64th IPC be different from the past Conferences?
The 64th IPC will be notable for its scientific contents and usefulness for the participants. For students, there are also national elocution competitions and quiz competitions. There will be essay competition in the Women’s Pharmacist Forum. We are also ensuring that all delegates have a good ambiance and feel comfortable with the arrangements.
There was report that the 64th IPC will be held in Goa, then why has this shifted to Chennai?
This is as per the decision of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association. We, in Chennai, are carrying out the responsibilities of the Local Organizing Committee.
How many delegates are expected for the event, and representations from abroad?
More than 6000 delegates are expected for the event. Around 20 speakers are going to address various Symposia. Pharmexcil is bringing around 50 foreign delegates/buyers to take part in the International Buyer/Seller meet.
What are the areas mainly focused on for discussions in the various sessions?
The Scientific Programme is divided into various streams with relevance to Academia, Industry, Regulatory Affairs, etc. A lot of emphasis will be on the theme 'Pharmacy education: Innovation, strategies and globalisation”.
There are symposia on 'Restructuring of Pharmacy Education & Curriculum, Accreditation & Quality Assurance'. Besides, there is an interesting panel discussion on 'Industry-Academia Interaction'.
For Industry people, there is a symposium on 'Indian Pharmaceutical Industry - Emerging as a Global Hub' as well as on 'Pharmaceutical Exports – Current Trends and Emerging Markets'. Besides, there are discussions on Pharma Vision 2015 & Beyond and on IPR and Clinical Research. There are also presentations from PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) India, IMS Health and Awacs on 'Current Scenario of Indian Pharma Market'.
Presentations/discussions will also be held on 'Pharmaceutical Regulatory Challenges and Emerging trends in Pharmacopoeial Standards'. Besides, there will be discussions on pharmaceutical manufacturing of herbal drugs.
Why is the relevance of the pre conference workshop conducted every year ?
The Pre-conference Workshop serves as an interesting opener for the entire conference. This time the topic is on 'Critical Steps for Successful Research: The Research Proposals & Scientific Writing'.
In the IPC conference how many symposia, panel discussions have been planned ?
There are totally 19 symposia and 3 panel discussions, besides 2 student Forums. In addition, there will be oral presentation on 2225 posters by students.
How do you think the Conference will help Pharmacy Education in the country ?
The Conference will sensitize the Academia on the current status and future requirements with respect to Pharmacy Education in order to make India as a global player in Pharmacy Education.
There are various symposia to highlight the present curriculum, gaps and challenges and future vision to make us as a global player. Students and academia as well as all pharmacy professionals will surely enjoy the discussions and be benefited from this. This will indeed be a road map for the future for formulating strategies.
How many teaching institutions have registered already ?
In the field of pharmaceuticals, almost all important teaching institutions have registered for the Congress.
What benefit the industry can avail from the Conference ?
As mentioned already, there are several symposia and panel discussions relevant to the Indian pharma industry. There are discussions on manufacturing, marketing and exports. Besides, there are presentations on market research. There is also a parallel international buyer seller meet organized by Pharmexcil. All the latest machinery will also be displayed in the Pharmaceutical Expo 2012 exhibition, organized through FICCI.