Mumbai: Maha Guv appeals pharma industry to develop drugs to life-threatening diseases

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 18 Oct 2015: The Governor of Maharashtra Ch Vidyasagar Rao here on Saturday October 17, called upon the pharmaceutical industry in India to develop drugs to cure diabetes, tuberculosis and other life-threatening diseases.
 
Observing that lifestyle diseases, particularly diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are creating a havoc in the country, he asked research-based pharma industry in India to lay renewed thrust on research and innovation and significantly hike investment in drug development and research.
 
The Governor was speaking at the 50th year celebrations of the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India at Hotel J W Mariott, Sahar, here on Saturday.

 

 
Mentioning that the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India has laid the strong foundations for the development of pharmaceutical industry in India, the Governor complimented OPPI for improving the quality of life of the people of India and also of those from other under-developed and developing countries.
 
 Stating that the elderly population of India – currently 90 million – is expected to reach 173 million by 2026, the Governor said the country will need to wake up to the problems of senior citizens and come up with a comprehensive plan for their physical, financial and emotional safety and well-being.
 
The Governor felicitated Dr Tarun Gupta, Professor Emeritus and Programme Chairperson, MBA Pharmaceuticals Management, NMIMS, Dr J N Banerjee, Founder Member of OPPI, Professor R D Joshi, former Secretary General OPPI and Ranjit Shahani, President Emeritus, OPPI for their outstanding services to the Organization.
 
Shobana Kamineni received the felicitation on behalf of her father Dr Prathap Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group who could not remain present. Shakti Chakraborty received the felicitation on behalf of Dr D B Gupta, founder and chairman, Lupin Ltd.
 
Dr V K Subburaj, secretary, department of pharmaceuticals, ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, president of OPPI and vice president, South Asia, Sanofi and captains of Pharma and healthcare industry were present. 
 
OPPI is an organization of research based pharmaceutical companies in India having members like Merck, Novartis, GSK, Sanofi, Bayer’s, Abbott, Pfizer, etc,.