http://www.expresspharmaonline.com/20071231/59thindianpharmaceuticalcongress03.shtml
India to take leadership role in pharma development
(Chronicle note: Professor Krishna Kumar Srivastava is an IT-BHU alumnus (B Pharm 1972/M. Pharm 1974). He obtained the degree of Ph. D. in Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics from Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand.
He is working as Professor in the dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences at School of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington DC, USA. )
| Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC), one of India's biggest pharma events moves to Varanasi this year. Dr Krishna Kumar, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), IPC, reveals more to Sachin Jagdale |
The 59th IPC is being celebrated in conjunction with the 75th anniversary celebration of pharmacy education of India. Pharmacy education started at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) 75 years ago. This year the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress is being celebrated under the leadership of Association of Pharmacy Teachers of India (APTI) who have generously decided to celebrate this event at Varanasi, the birth place of APTI.
What is the profile of speakers invited/expected at the conference and the target audience? What has been the response so far, compared to last year?
We have been able to attract speakers from all aspects of pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, academia and professional practice, pharmacy graduates, research scientists, and healthcare professionals, from all over the world. The meeting will attract leaders from India, US, Europe, Asia and as far as New Zealand who will present their work in form of symposia, plenary lectures, invited guest lectures, podium and poster presentations.
We have received over 2,000 peer reviewed abstracts that will be presented in a new format. The meeting is being held on the grounds of BHU, a premium institution of learning that was started by none other than Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya. His vision was so futuristic that even today few campuses can compare with the planning and outlay at BHU.
The university is led by Honourable Vice Chancellor, Professor Punjab Singh, who has taken a keen personal interest in the organisation of this event, including travelling abroad to encourage alumni to actively participate in this event. The participants are in for a treat and we hope that every one will have a wonderful time. The event will have inaugural session, award banquets, alumni meetings, exposition, sponsored seminars, wonderful entertainment, including a night with the gazal maestro Jagjit Singh and many more events to suit every palate.
Some notable speakers include top scientists, Presidents and CEOs of Indian pharma, CEOs and leaders from United States Pharmacopeia, Pfizer Global Research, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, European experts, to name a few, who will present cutting edge research.
Some of the topics covered are drug discovery, preclinical and clinical research, formulation and drug delivery, alternative medicine and pharmacy practice. Every topic will be explored in terms of our visionary theme of Pharma Vision 2020 and as Indian pharma comes of age there are many exciting opportunities for every one in every aspect of pharmacy. India is destined to take the leadership role in pharmaceutical development.
What are the challenges in organising such exhibitions?
We truly have a global team. When you have the Chief Operating Officer in Bangalore, Chief Financial Officer in Pune, President in Mumbai, Organising Secretary in Varanasi, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi and Chairman, LOC, in Washington, the world really becomes small and flat. We had our ups and downs but in the end it was all worth it.
What are the salient features of the chosen theme 'Pharma Vision 2020'?
Indian economic growth has been tremendous in the past few years. As India grows as an economic power the pillars of our theme "Product Patient and Pharmacy Practice" become very relevant. The theme was first initiated by our president Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at the 55th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress in Chennai in 2003.
India has made giant leaps in developing products but due to other priorities as a developing nation the other two facets of our theme had been neglected. The time has come to focus on the patient as a recipient of healthcare and the practice of pharmacy as pharmacists become leaders in the healthcare delivery team.
What kind of discussions should delegates expect?
Challenges facing India in 2020 in terms infrastructure needs for healthcare delivery, practice standards and disparity issues will be featured. The meeting will debate such issues in the president's symposium. In addition, consumer perceptions regarding prescription medicine and quality of medicines produced in India will be debated with expert panels including the Drug Controller General of India and other industry experts.
Besides the theme, what will be the new features planned for the 59th IPC?
In addition to traditional plenary lectures, this year we will have theme based symposia that include world and Indian experts who will present their views on a particular topic, followed by a discussion with an expert panel. The whole meeting will be held at one venue with all the facilities within walking distance. This will make it possible for participants to explore all facets of the Congress with ease. This feature is noteworthy as it is difficult to achieve this in main stream cities.
IPC is perhaps the biggest technical event that Varanasi is going to witness. From the social, cultural and commercial point of view, what will be the gains for Varanasi from this event?
The event will bring about 8,000-10,000 people to the city and will be good for the economy. It will also give local students a chance to meet prospective employers and do some networking. It will give our city an exposure apart from the one we already have. As it is, there is no place on earth like Varanasi. It's a plus whichever way you look at it.
Which are the countries participating in IPC? Where will be the next IPC held?
India, US, UK, Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Japan and New Zealand, to name a few, are participating this year. Next year’s IPC will be held in Delhi.
- Additional Links
- IPC info:
http://www.59thipcvaranasi.com/ - For bio-data of Prof. Krishna Kumar, please click here
- A technological pilgrimage
The 59th IPC promises to add yet another dimension to the pilgrim city of Varanasi
http://www.expresspharmaonline.com/20071231/59thindianpharmaceuticalcongress02.shtml - Four-day pharma meet begins at BHU
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Fourday-pharma-meet-begins-at-BHU/252539/