The Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) has been making efforts to consult and collaborate with local health authorities on making innovative medicine affordable and accessible to Singapore's citizens.

Innovative medicines can lead to savings of more costly hospitalisation, surgery and increased aged care because of earlier disease intervention and treatment. International studies show good control of chronic diseases can prevent the need, if not halve the cost of hospitalisation. Innovative medicine and preventive health education will be the twin responses that SAPI can contribute, working in synergy with local regulatory to protect the continuing good health of Singaporeans.

SAPI is holding its 40th anniversary meeting on June 20, 2006, and now represents over 40 pharmaceutical companies in Singapore. The pharmaceutical industry is today Singapore's third economic pillar, contributing S$13.9 billion or 88 per cent to the total Biomedical Manufacturing output in 2004 annually to Singapore GDP.

SAPI will continue to promote preventive health education under the umbrella of the DAC Guidelines to encourage the public especially senior citizens, to go for early health screening and treatment. SAPI wants to also work closely with the medical community such as the Singapore Medical Association and patient groups to ensure the demand in Singapore for higher quality health is met.

The Association has over members comprising multinational research-based companies, local commercial companies and distribution companies within the pharmaceutical industry.

SAPI plays two key industry roles in Singapore: Firstly, it is central to the exchange of information within the industry and, collaborates with government agencies on projects, providing input and feedback on healthcare policies. Secondly, it is the main channel of communication between the industry and various local stakeholders on health and trade related issues, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The pharmaceutical industry has invested more than S$5 billion in manufacturing operations in Singapore, mostly in upstream manufacturing. In the current research and development pipeline, the industry is working on more than 700 new medicines and vaccines for infectious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, asthma, arthritis and osteoporosis.