· A joint initiative with The Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Research and Advocacy (CIPRA) and MHRD Chair on Intellectual Property Rights of National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 26, 2016: The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) organized a panel discussion recently on ‘IPR Regime for Healthy and Innovative India’ at the National Law School University, on the eve of the World IP Day. This event was part of OPPI’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and in linewith the theme ‘50 Years: Healthy India, Innovative India.’ The broad conclusion of the day was that innovation in the bio-pharmaceutical industry requires a robust regulatory system that ensures drug quality and safety, a well-financed health system that provides timely patient access to novel therapies, and a policy environment that rewards innovation and protects intellectual property rights.
The event saw an animated panel discussion moderated by Prof (Dr) Ramakrishna, NLSU. The panel was comprised of Dr V.M Katoch, Former Secretary to the Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Krishna Sarma, Managing Director, Corporate Law Group; Prof.Chirantan Chatterjee, Corporate Strategy & Policy Assistant Professor, IIM Bangalore and Dr. Ratna Devi,Founding Member, Indian Alliance of Patient Groups. The discussion was well attended; participants included law students, representatives from law firms, members from the pharmaceutical industry and faculty members from NLSU and other law schools in Bangalore.
In his opening remarks, Prof (Dr) Venkata Rao, Vice Chancellor, NLSU pointed out that “This is an age of innovation and not renovation. Healthcare is an important subject. Today's discussion will delve upon public health concerns within a robust IPR regime."
Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, OPPI, said, “Protecting intellectual property will help bring new solutions to treat patients suffering from rare diseases and new medicines to save and improve lives. We would like to see more medical innovation being created and introduced in our country. Ultimately, we would like to seea healthy India and an innovative India.”
About OPPI
The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) was established 50 years ago in 1965 and represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies in India. OPPI remains committed to supporting the nation’s healthcare objectives and collaborating with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. OPPI believes the need for innovation must be balanced with the necessity for more accessible medicines, within a robust IP environment. A holistic approach is needed to expand healthcare in India and OPPI believes the pharmaceutical industry can form part of the solution. For more information, please visit www.indiaoppi.com