‘’Game cards need to be played with lot of concentration and long-term vision’’

There is definitely a transformation seen in the Indian pharma industry. Indian pharma industry is a long term player in the global scenario. The industry is divided into the organised and unorganised sector. Things are looking up where reforms are concerned. Over the last few years, competition has pushed pricing so low that people have taken a casual approach, which has led to the industry compromising in various areas. This is evident from the warning letters being issued to many companies by various regulatory bodies. In the changing scenario, game cards need to be played with lot of concentration and long-term vision.

DPCO impact: To an extent it has impacted the industry but there is a positive side also to be witnessed. Eventually this has taken away cost-based regime and there is a professional approach from the government with regards to market pricing. The impact would probably be more on the MNCs than the Indian players or those who had high price regime. Clinical trial norms are being laid and it should be a welcome move, as volunteers/study subjects will not be exposed to unwarranted risks. New guidelines would ensure that fair trials have been conducted on the Indian population which in turn will ensure efficacy of products on our population. With respect to all the changes that are happening it will regularise the Indian pharma industry. However, it is important to review and implement new guidelines at regular intervals to make sure that health is not compromised while availability and affordability remains at the top.

– Archana Dubey Mitra, Vice President-International Marketing, Bal Pharma