The 55th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) 2003 at Chennai is all set to be an international congregation of the pharmaceutical industry. And the organizers expect more than 200 overseas delegates to participate in the event.

According to sources with the local organizing committee, aggressive efforts are on to ensure maximum participation of overseas delegates. "We have confirmed at least 200 from overseas countries especially South East Asia, Middle East and the African continent. Most of those nations were looking at U.S.A. or similar countries to source their requirements in healthcare, and we are sure they will be impressed by the industry infrastructure and the capabilities of our manufacturers," said B.Suresh, Organizing Secretary of the event.

The organizing committee has also confirmed more than 25 international guest speakers for the congress. They include renowned industry names like Tom Einerson, University of Canada, Peter J Spurgate, Chairman, Board of Pharmaceutical Practice, International Pharmaceutical Federation and Moses Chow, Professor and Director, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and an expert on Nano medicine etc. The organizers expect the congress will have a participation of over 5000 delegates, deliberating on the theme 'Pharmacy, medicine Management & National Health Policy'.

About 23 committees and various sub-committees have been chosen for successfully managing the IPC, and more than 100 people are working hard to make IPC Chennai a reality. The organizing committee estimates a spending of Rs. 3 crore for the event, and is even exploring the possibility of Government aid to manage the financials, said Suresh.

The event is to be held at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute at Porur near Chennai, from December 19 to 21, 2003.