As iPHEX 2013 is unfolding in Mumbai , showcasing Indian pharmaceutical might to the world, Dr. P.V. Appaji, Director General of Pharmexcil shares his views with A. Raju on the growing salience of India as ‘Pharmacy of the world’ and also the growing prominence of the Indian system of medicines throughout the world.
How significant is iPHEX 2013 for India and how do you think it will it give a boost to India's image across the globe?
iPHEX 2013 which is exclusively organized by the Indian industry is on par with global events like CPhI. It will be a global event that will exclusively focus and exhibit Indian pharmaceutical products to the world. The exhibition will bring together the drugs, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry under one roof. In fact it is one of the largest showcases of Indian pharmaceutical products and technologies to a global audience. About 400 overseas buyers from focus areas are being invited to participate in the exhibition. iPHEX 2013 will offer the industry majors from India and all across the world a great platform to connect and do business and this will definitely boost India’s image further across the globe.
When already there are so many events like CPhI’s and others, why again iPHEX?
India has gained the reputation as the “Pharmacy of the world”, a one stop shopping for all the requirements of generic pharmaceuticals be it bulk drugs or formulations. The convenience thus offered is punctuated with quality second to none at affordable prices. With an objective of playing a noble role of alleviating pain and suffering of mankind globally by offering such benefits, India has launched the Brand India Campaign.
As you all know, Brand India Campaign was launched at CPHI Japan, where India has been declared the “Focus Country” in March 2012, and reaffirmed in Indonesia in June 2012 and in the recent CPhI Worldwide at Madrid. To take this campaign to the next level, we thought we need our own platform. That was the genesis of iPHEX 2013.
What is India's target for exports by 2014 and what are the areas Indian pharmaceutical industry has to improve to the set target?
Indian pharma exports are currently at US$ 13.4 billion and iPHEX exhibition will be a catalyst in helping us reach US$ 25 billion by 2014. We are strong in producing quality generics at low cost. Now the Indian industry needs to focus more on R&D and work on areas of new drug discovery to sustain future growth.
Which are the specific areas of focus on Indian system of Medicine (ISM)?
iPHEX 2013 is certainly India’s exclusive global event. In fact it will be the biggest industry exposition showcasing the diverse range of products. Apart from exhibiting Indian strength in regular APIs and formulations, the exhibition will also have exclusive focus on Indian system of Medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy (AYUSH). Nutraceuticals, health services, biotechnology and biotechnology products, R & D services etc will also be exhibited.
Kindly brief us about pavilions, conferences, seminars if any?
iPHEX 2013 will witness participation of over 250 companies including leading Indian companies like Aurobindo Ranbaxy, IPCA, Mankind ACG Worldwide, Ind-Swift, Indoco, Lupin, Troikaa, Mylan Laboratories, Zydus Cadila to mention a few, will showcase the best of pharma products. The highlight of the exhibition will be ‘free for all’ seminar for two days on ‘India: Destination of Choice for Quality Medicines’ organised by Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) and Pharmexcil. This would be the theme for this year.
Besides, there will be other presentations on branding, biosimilars and financing pharma exports. Many foreign regulatory agencies’ officials are also invited to make presentations and to interact with our Indian exporters.
Senior officers from Central and State Drug Control Department are invited for presenting Indian pharma regulatory standards. Several national and international brands are happy to associate with iPHEX 2013.
In short iPHEX, besides exploring newer business opportunities would also add to our exporters’ repertoire with more information on various aspects of pharmaceutical exports. All the exhibitors are from India only as this is an expo to show case Indian pharma industry’s achievements and its advantages.
What are the industry challenges and opportunities? How would the event benefit the participants in overcoming these challenges?
SME’s who constitute a large percentage of Indian pharmaceutical industry are not completely aware of the opportunities pharmaceutical exports offer. Filling up this gap is always a challenge to Pharmexcil. This exhibition is aimed at bridging most of this gap as very large number of companies from almost every potential market across the globe would be participating and would be interacting with our exporters especially SME’s .
How would iPHEX impact exports? Is this event going to boost the sentiments of SMEs?
It is expected that many of our SME’s would meet newer importers from different countries and further consolidation of existing business contacts would help in boosting our exports as the news “India destination of choice” would spread far and wide.
What is the significance of choosing this particular time and venue?
It has been timed keeping in view the other major such events conducted globally and to derive maximum mileage. Mumbai has been our premium city, well known abroad and it has been synonymous with Indian pharmaceutical industry both abroad as well as in domestic market.