OPPI Annual Summit sets forth vision for India’s healthcare evolution

The platform witnessed deliberations on pivotal topics including innovation, skills development and technology, with a strong focus on advancing accessible and high-quality healthcare services across the nation

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) organised its flagship Annual Summit today in New Delhi. Centered around the theme Viksit Bharat @2047 –India’s Path from the 'Pharmacy of the World' to the 'Pharma Powerhouse to the World,' the summit set forth the vision for India's healthcare evolution. The platform witnessed deliberations on pivotal topics including innovation, skills development and technology, with a strong focus on advancing accessible and high-quality healthcare services across the nation.

Bhushan Akshikar, President, OPPI, VP and MD, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, said, “As we work towards an inclusive, innovative and sustainable healthcare future for India, OPPI remains committed to our vision of Bharat Ke Liye, delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions to Indian patients. As an industry, we are committed to collaborating with all ecosystem partners to deliver impactful solutions not only for today but also to lay the groundwork for India’s emergence as a global leader in pharma for tomorrow. Together, we are shaping a future where healthcare is accessible and transformative for all." 

Anil Matai, Director General, OPPI, said, “The OPPI Annual Summit celebrates the pharmaceutical sector's dedication to innovation and excellence, embodying our shared vision for a robust healthcare ecosystem where advancements are matched with patient centricity. India stands at the cusp of a remarkable transformation in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry is set to play a pivotal role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. By leveraging our strengths in innovation, we can evolve from being the 'Pharmacy of the World' to a true global pharma powerhouse. Moving forward, we must continue fostering an environment that values research, innovation and resilient healthcare infrastructure. This summit is a great platform to explore how we, as a community of industry leaders, can build on this legacy and propel India to new heights in delivering safe and advanced healthcare solutions to the world.” 

The summit also witnessed the launch of reports and informative booklets, “Viksit Bharat@2047 - Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to the World" in collaboration with EY and 'Winning in Indian Healthcare,' in collaboration with BCG. Additionally, informative booklets on 'Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs' and the 'Value of Innovation' were released, highlighting the significance of innovation and creating awareness of OTC drugs.

The EY-OPPI report, titled Viksit Bharat@2047 - Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to the World, highlights the key growth imperatives required for India’s pharmaceutical sector to become a global powerhouse. It envisions a resilient, inclusive healthcare ecosystem where policymakers, providers, pharma companies and patient advocates collaborate to elevate patient care. Achieving these goals will position India’s healthcare model as a beacon of innovation and equitable access for the world.

As India’s pharmaceutical market gears for transformative growth, the 'Winning in Indian Healthcare' report by BCG and OPPI explores the dynamic forces reshaping this critical sector. Against the backdrop of rapid economic growth, streamlined government policies, and digital health innovations, the report unpacks India’s unique healthcare potential. It highlights the drivers for growth (rising demand driven by an ageing population, a burgeoning middle class, and a chronic disease burden), alongside challenges such as regulatory complexities, fragmented payer coverage, and market complexities. To thrive in this evolving landscape, global pharma players must rethink their portfolio strategy, invest in access initiatives, and embrace wider ecosystem partnerships. This report serves as a strategic guide for navigating India’s vibrant but challenging healthcare ecosystem.

The bilingual FAQs (in Hindi and English) on the Value of Innovation emphasise the critical role of R&D and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector, touching on the costs and timelines associated with drug development and the importance of strengthening the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework.

Another important release was the FAQs on Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs in India, which highlights the rapid rise of OTC drug adoption, especially in the context of chronic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. This shift toward proactive, self-managed healthcare is pivotal in improving public health outcomes while optimizing healthcare resource utilisation.

The summit's discussions spanned diverse dimensions, covering key themes such as:

• Winning in Indian Healthcare: The impact of Global Pharma companies on Indian Healthcare and the Road Ahead
• Viksit Bharat @2047: Transforming India from Pharmacy of the World to Pharma Powerhouse to The World
• Collaborative Strategies: To Improve Access to Healthcare in India

The exceptional contributors and innovators in the healthcare sector were celebrated and recognized with the prestigious OPPI Awards. These awards honoured excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare in Bharat. The esteemed awardees for 2024 included: