By Dr. Ankit Om
In this era of connectivity, Every person do have some piece of information but honestly only apt and accurate information can be converted into wisdom. Wisdom aspires knowledge and Knowledge is the power. This is true in the current scenario, when Nation is repeatedly facing rapid change in the society. And perhaps parameters of the development are completely shifted and different now for us.
We are thriving for information rather than knowledge and our so called intellectual section are keeping mum over such sensitive and responsible issue, which is ultimately not only weakening foundation of this noble profession since ages but also misleading the youth for their vested interests. Today I would like to divide this article into four parts for easy understanding, and these are introduction and current status of Indian pharma, history and role of government, crucial key role of Indian doctors and conclusion with letting open debate in public domain respectively.
Understanding Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare:
YES ! medical is the profession which must be discussed over every single platform irrespective of any discrimination. ”Health is Wealth” thus being Indian citizens all deserve to understand the basics of Pharmaceuticals that reflects wealth from health.
The Role of Indian Pharma and Media:
Here I am writing not to target only medicos as audience but I must try to generate the thought process among all aware citizens who are concern for the health care system of India, specially India journals that are persistently covering health sector without any research and development initiatives or considerations in media.
Challenges and Growth of Indian Pharma:
Now, if I say, pharma is too functioning in the same pattern of Indian media that is without adequate R&D reports, like important life saving drugs are in the market without adequate trials based on parameters,amazing but true in today prospective. We must admit quack journalism is empowering such quack pharma to flore up likewise quack medicos who are the persistently demeaning and harming the dignity and pride of the medico profession with the help of quack policies of Indian quack ministers deliberately emphasized the word ‘Quack’ as they do exist in every system in India because of lack of professionalism.
Understanding the Status Quo:
We must understand the basics before we speak about health care system related with pharma,as issue is very sensitive and linked with the health of mass citizens of India.
Current Status and Growth Potential:
Lets begin with some amazing facts about pharma to assist our journalist friend for their better insight into the issue. Current market size of pharma is almost $27 billion which will reach up to $55 billion by the year 2020 at the CAGR of 15%.
Historical Evolution of Indian Pharma:
Apart from current status, lets have a brief look of history which reveal how Indian pharma could achieve this amazing platform globally. We can say, evolution of Indian pharma may be set into four stages.
The Role of Government in Pharma Sector:
Now you must be thinking, on one side you were repeatedly told that India is facing crisis of doctors since long, then is it possible that despite being less in number,doctors could make this wonderful achievement for Indian pharma? and second if India is hub for generic and even branded drugs then what may be the reason that any government could not make effort to provide free or low cost medicines to Indians.
Government Regulations and Oversight:
Only few states are providing free drugs for the patient despite knowing the fact the we are biggest generic exporter in the world. It clearly indicates that faulty policies and irregularized pharma sector by the government, citizens are not getting adequate health care benefits. Every government was the back up of pharma sector but rather than patient’s prospective, they let the sector organised for the benefits aspects at the stake of health care model. We must understand the role of government, I am emphasizing some technical information on the part of regularization of sector.
The Crucial Role of Doctors:
Both central and state govt play a crucial role from molecule level to launching a single drug. Central Drug Standards and Control Organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare control the measures of efficacy, safety, quality of drugs. New drug authentication, license and supervision of trials are also their dedicated duties. Drug Controller General of India performs this duty.
Debate and Discussion on Medical Conferences:
Now we should focus on the role of doctors in the pharma, which is recently a hot topic of discussion after controversial statement of honourable Prime Minister in London about Medical conferences.
Faith is the best healer and nobody should ever try to break this for their vested interests.After statement of honourable Prime Minister, personally I feel, it gonna be difficult to practice in India. Where your leaders don’t have respect for your fraternity, followers will never recognize your hard work being Indian doctor. Rather than making derogatory remarks, Govt. must bring focus on monitoring and surveillance to encourage good clinical practices. Only effective policies can deliver the best for Indian health care system. Mutual respect and coordination is the key of Healthy India.
About the Author
Dr. Ankit Om, Chairman, United RDA, India
