University of Lucknow organises panel discussion on India’s G-20 Presidency for pharmacy experts 

The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Lucknow recently held a panel discussion for pharmacy experts from G-20 countries on the theme, ‘India’s G-20 Presidency: One Earth, One Family, One Future, One Health’, under the aegis of Professor Alok Kumar Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lucknow. 

The discussion was presided over by Professor Naveen Sheth, former Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Technological University. Dr Ajay Khopde, VP, Sun Pharma moderated the discussion. The program commenced with a welcome address by Prof Pushpendra Kumar Tripathi, Convener of the event and Director of the Institute. He explained that the discussion sought to understand and highlight the responsibilities and usefulness of the Indian pharma sector. Eminent panellists included Dr Montu M Patel, President, Pharmacy Council of India; Prof Serge Mignani, French Scientist and Professor; Dr Shashi Bala Singh, Director, NIPER Hyderabad and Dr Alok Dhawan, Director, CBMR. 

The main objective of this panel discussion was to create the means for a healthy society through the G-20 Summit held under India’s presidency and to draw attention to opportunities for digital health innovation in the pharma sector. The panellists discussed prevention, preparedness and responses to health emergencies with a focus on One Health and anti-microbial resistance. 

Dr Singh from NIPER Hyderabad emphasised that India is a renowned pharma market and together we can strengthen it to provide medicine to the entire world. Dr Dhawan from CBMR stressed the importance of digital health innovations across the nation and said that the use of AI and ML must be optimised through various technology platforms so that people living in rural areas can also benefit. He also informed that India has taken a lead in digitising its medical data and issuing the ABHA card through its portal.

The discussion addressed the need to strengthen, safe, effective cooperation in the pharma sector and to make quality and affordable medicines available to the common citizens. The panellists also shared their views on solutions for universal health coverage and reforms in the healthcare delivery system. 

Prof Poonam Tandon, G-20 Coordinator of LU, was also present during this discussion. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Prof Ashok Kumar Sing, Program Co-Patron and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology.