The Organisation Of Pharmaceutical Producers Of India (OPPI) will organise seminar on “Access to Healthcare – Challenges & Way Forward' on August 23, 2013 in, Mumbai. The event intends to bring together distinguished and acclaimed professionals, experts, government officials and other important stakeholders to share their views on the way forward to improve the overall status of healthcare access for the nation.

Access to healthcare is a subject of immense significance for India. According to a recent study by IMS Institute, ‘Understanding Healthcare Access in India – What is the current state?’; Healthcare Access in India is affected by many factors: physical distance, functionality, quality and affordability among others.

OPPI director general Tapan Ray will give the opening remarks on the seminar while the inaugural address will be delivered by Ranjit Shahani president, OPPI and vice chairman & managing director, Novartis.

Senior government officials who are likely to be present in the seminar included Vandana Kumari Jena of planning commission; Keshav Desiraju, secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Shambhu Kallolikar, joint secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals; and Chandra Prakash Singh, chairman, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.