Ahmedabad: Samir Mehta, Chairman of Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group, has been appointed president of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) for 2021-23. The IPA is an influential industry association representing 23 pharma companies that account for 85% of the private sector investment in pharma R&D. These companies also contribute more than 80% of the country’s drugs and pharma exports and cater to 57% of the domestic market.
Under Samir Mehta’s leadership, Torrent has taken several strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, forays into new therapies and geographies, investments in product development, and building manufacturing facilities.
“Covid-19 has been a challenging time for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. However, the industry has risen to the challenges and ensured a continuous supply of medicines. The pandemic has further highlighted the significance of collaboration, access to affordable medicines, and innovation to respond to healthcare needs. IPA will be collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen the accessibility of medicines and help in creating an innovation ecosystem that will be beneficial to the patients,” Mr. Mehta said.
Samina Hamied, Executive Vice Chairperson of Cipla, has been named IPA Vice President for a two-year term. Ms Hamied represents the third generation of the founding family of the pharma major. She said she looked forward to working with all industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable, resilient, and agile operations and create a positive difference in patients’ lives.