‘Healthcare in India: New Milestones New Frontiers’, a publication which highlights some existing and future challenges for policy makers and other stakeholders in healthcare sector, was released by Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) with McKinsey and Company as Knowledge Partner recently.
The publication also draws attention to crucial aspects of the industry and identifies some new priorities bringing forth five revolutionary themes like using digital data and analytics, leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships, upgrading capabilities and raising the bar of ‘quality of care’ among others.
It was released by Telengana Minister for IT, Industries and Urban Development Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), renewing OPPI’s commitment to make a difference and strive for a better tomorrow - of ushering in a “Healthy India and an Innovative India”.
Releasing the report the Minister said, “Availability, accessibility and affordability are the three mantras for healthcare. We are working with all the stakeholders towards realizing vision of healthy India. As the youngest state, not burdened by legacy, we are forging partnerships with private players and want to lay emphasis on innovation. I do believe this initiative by OPPI augurs well for a new state like ours. We are willing to partner with OPPI and work towards “Healthcare for All”.
The release of the report was followed by a panel discussion featuring eminent thinkers including Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament - Lok Sabha and Former Minister of State for HRD and External Affairs, Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries, Mining, NRI Affairs & Urban Development, Government of Telangana, Dr C P Thakur, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Former Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Secretary DHR, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Director General ICMR, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, President OPPI and Managing Director and Vice President South Asia, Sanofi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, President, OPPI said, “Through this knowledge initiative, we look back at the last 50 years and celebrate the strides our industry has collectively made. We are aware, of course, that much remains to be done. Our country has made huge economic progress, but healthcare outcomes lag expectations. Through this report we also examine the internal and external challenges that represent a call to action for all stakeholders. Finally, we lay out a few ideas and choices that could shape the next 50 years.”
The next decade will throw both enormous challenges and opportunities. OPPI is extremely enthusiastic to work in coalition with all stakeholders to address the challenges squarely and pick opportunities to fulfill the dream of ‘Health for all Indians’. OPPI and its members commit themselves to partner with the Government in many areas, especially focusing on addressing challenges faced by the primary healthcare centres, reduce the NCDs burden and increase public awareness on antimicrobial resistance.
Adding to this, Kanchana TK, Director General, OPPI said, “Today, conversations and healthy debates on issues facing our industry and the healthcare system are critical to addressing some of the current challenges and opportunities of the future. Global borders are blurring, and patient-centricity has become the driving force for delivering responsible healthcare. We are committed to working with Government and all other stakeholders towards realizing our collective vision of putting the patient at the centre of all that we do.”
The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India was established in 1965 and represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies in India. OPPI remains committed to supporting the nation’s healthcare objectives and collaborating with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. OPPI believes the need for innovation must be balanced with the necessity for more accessible medicines, within a robust IP environment.