“India should focus on innovating drugs and molecules to emerge as a global leader”

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has elected S Sridhar as its next President for a period of two years, effective from February 15, 2021. He takes over from Sharad Tyagi, Former Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd. Sridhar is currently serving as the Managing Director of Pfizer Limited and is heading Pfizer Inc’s commercial business in India. Sridhar has been a member of the Executive Committee of OPPI for the past six years and has also chaired its Finance and Taxation Work Group. He is a strong voice of healthcare transformation in the country and was the chair of FICCI’s Pharma Committee till recently. In conversation with BioSpectrum, S Sridhar talks about making a difference to patients, the industry and the country via this new role.

- Prabhat Prakash

S Sridhar, President, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Mumbai

What is your vision for the pharma sector during your tenure as OPPI President?

I am enthusiastic to be a part of the transformation that OPPI envisions for the Indian healthcare sector. For us, fostering an environment for research and innovation in the country, increasing access and leveraging technology would be the main patient- centric themes. I believe the research-based pharmaceutical industry has a great role to play in India’s journey to transform its healthcare and bring in new and better solutions to in the country.

Will the Budget 2021 help the pharma sector in becoming self-reliant and sustainable?