With renewed commitment to make quality medicines accessible to patients across the nation, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) celebrated its 50th year with all healthcare stakeholders in Mumbai recently and conferred special golden jubilee recognitions.

In his inaugural address, Governor of Maharashtra Ch. Vidyasagar Rao said, “The research based pharmaceutical industry in India has long been a partner in India’s economic growth and development, including through technical collaborations, disease awareness programmes, patient access initiatives and drug safety efforts. At this juncture, we need to have a renewed thrust on innovation from the pharmaceutical industry in India.”

“I have come here to express my sense of appreciation to the OPPI and to the captains of pharmaceutical industry for your outstanding contributions to the cause of nation building,” he added.  

The governor stressed on India’s tremendous strength in life sciences, specifically in innovative medicines and the country’s rich human capital, including chemists, pharmacists, biologists and engineers.

Dignitaries including Dr V K Subbaraj, secretary, department of pharmaceuticals and Dr Jagdish Prasad, director general of health services were present on the occasion celebrating the ‘50 Years theme: Healthy India, Innovative India’.

Highlighting the role played by OPPI in its 50 year journey, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, president, OPPI said, “OPPI has been at the forefront in developing the nation’s pharmaceutical industry for the past 50 years. We have consistently supported government’s healthcare agenda and have been a dedicated partner in India’s journey of developing a robust pharmaceutical industry which is recognised world-over.”

In a recorded message, chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis commended the good work of the pharma companies, while assuring the industry of a conducive business environment for sustained growth.

An eminent panel of OPPI’s office bearers decided to confer special golden jubilee recognitions to mark its 50 years. Dr Prathap C Reddy, founder chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group received the lifetime achievement for contribution to modern healthcare. DB Gupta, founder and chairman, Lupin Ltd received the lifetime achievement in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Tarun Gupta, professor emeritus, NMIMS received the award for advancement of education in pharmaceuticals. Dr JN Banerjee was felicitated as the founding member of OPPI. Prof RD Joshi, former secretary general, OPPI was recognised for meritorious commitment to OPPI and Ranjit Shahani, vice chairman and managing director, Novartis was felicitated as President Emeritus of OPPI.

The day saw two animated panel discussions. The first on healthcare innovation in India which focused on the sort of innovations that can transform the healthcare landscape in India. The second, patient group discussion, touched upon the important role that pharmaceutical companies must play to improve the lives of patients and support responsible healthcare.

The OPPI was established in 1965. OPPI represents the research-driven pharmaceutical companies in India and remains committed to supporting the nation’s healthcare objectives, collaborating with the Indian government and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions; solutions that balance the need for innovation with the necessity for more accessible medicines, within a robust IP environment.