The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) in partnership with Ogilvy Healthcare, a specialised healthcare communications division of Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide, is organizing knowledge leadership seminar "Unlocking the OTC future" with a focus on successful OTC marketing in India. The one day seminar is being held Mumbai on November 19, 2002, at the Taj Lands End, Bandra.

The first of its kind to be ever staged in India, this seminar will delve into key areas like understanding the Indian consumer and his health needs, making the right product / category choice for OTC entry or switching brands from ethical marketing to the OTC channel, managing the distribution channel and the role of communication. At a time when OTC marketing is an area, which most companies are grappling with, this seminar should prove to be a learning experience.

The seminar will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shatrughan Sinha and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Ashwini Kumar would release an OTC Advertising Code.

There will be a keynote address highlighting the role of responsible self medication at the seminar by Dr. Jerome Reinstein, Director General, World Self-Medication Industry (WSMI). U.K. A stalwart of the self-medication world, Dr. Reinstein in more than a decade of being at the helm of WSMI has relentlessly pursued the mission of WSMI to create and maintain an international environment, intended to improve the opportunities for people to manage their own health through the responsible use of safe and effective self-medication.

Norman Berry, the worldwide creative Director on all GlaxoSmithKline brands of Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) would make presentation on the role of communication to drive success in OTC Marketing. With over 35 years in the communication business, Norman with his deep knowledge of the UK & US markets besides his vast international experience, is uniquely valuable to marketers with international brands and a need for international learning.

In addition, the business heads from the Indian and international companies with relevant experience in the OTC segment will also speak on relevant topics at the seminar.