PR No – 2
3rd November, 2023
New Delhi
OPPI in collaboration with PHDCCI, FICCI and IPA hosts OTC Health and Wellness Conference to promote responsible self-care
Comprehensive guidelines and protocols for a robust OTC framework can improve health outcomes and ease the strain on the existing healthcare system.
New Delhi, 03 November 2023:
OPPI in collaboration with PHDCCI (PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry), FICCI and IPA organised a day long National level OTC Health and Wellness Conference – स्वास्थ्य उदय अंत्योदय, today at PHD House, New Delhi, with the objective of promoting responsible self-care among individuals. The conference deliberated on how to empower consumers by providing them with evidence-based information on the appropriate use and safety of over the counter (OTC) medications. This event brought together industry experts, government officials, medical professionals, and consumer groups to discuss and deliberate upon the importance of responsible self-care in India. The initiative from OPPI is in line with its efforts of working towards facilitating the Government in developing the OTC & self-care framework and adopting a collaborative approach to building a responsible self-care practice in our country.
The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and deliberate on the significance of responsible self-care. With the increasing accessibility of OTC medications, it is imperative that individuals have the knowledge and tools to make informed choices regarding their health and well-being. OPPI’s initiative seeks to create a more informed and health-conscious society and be a stepping stone for the establishment of a robust OTC framework in the country.
The conference had a series of Speaker sessions, Panel Discussions, Keynote Addresses from Experts, Policy Makers, and other Dignitaries who shared relevant insights across a series of topics. The discussion at the event also shed light on the ways consumer health companies have embraced a responsible marketing approach, aligning their strategies with ethical practices. Moreover, the conference highlighted the economic value of self-care, emphasizing its significance not only in personal health but also in the broader healthcare landscape. The role of OTC medications as an enabler for last-mile access to patients, especially in remote areas, was a key focus, highlighting how these accessible remedies can help bridge healthcare gaps. Finally, the conference explored the multifaceted efforts required to foster responsible self-care, encompassing a wide array of topics relevant to enhancing public health and well-being.The insights generated during the conference shall be shared further with Government stakeholders to enable stronger facilitation for the development of OTC & self-care framework in the country.
Speaking at the conference as a Chief Guest, Mr. AK Pradhan, Joint Drug Controller, CDSCO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, discussed how this conference is of utmost significance as it directly addresses the critical global issue of access to medicine and healthcare, involving international and national organizations, as well as healthcare providers. While the term ‘over-the-counter’ may not be properly defined in our regulatory guidelines, it is present in various forms within our medicinal drug classification, encompassing prescriptions by medical practitioners, pharmacists, and non-prescription sales through grocery stores. Our regulatory structure, including schedules H, G, H1, and X, and Rule 96, governs the handling of drugs, with some exemptions allowing sales through grocery stores. Recently, a draft rule has been published based on recommendations from a subcommittee, on which we have received feedback from stakeholders and actively considering the inclusion of OTC terminology. This issue consistently remains a focal point in government decision-making meetings.
Bejon Misra, well known International Consumer Policy Expert and Founder, Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India stressed the need for the Policy to be implemented at the earliest
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Nitika Garg – Director Research OPPI and lead organiser for the conference, stated that it was absolutely fabulous to bring such diverse stakeholders to share their rich perspectives on one common platform, that will ultimately benefit the Indian patient and consumer in the long run
Consumer Healthcare awards-2023: The event also felicitated Companies for the Consumer Healthcare awards-2023, to recognize effective, innovative and successful approaches in the Consumer Healthcare domain in enabling access for their respective Products and Brands. The 2 Consumer Healthcare awards for the year 2023 were Consumer Health Brand of the year and Best Consumer Health digital marketing campaign. While the Consumer Health Brand of the year award recognized Brand Performance along with innovative brand strategies, Best Consumer Health digital marketing campaign recognized effective, innovative and successful Digital approaches for promoting responsible usage of the Brands
The Awards were presided & judged by an esteemed jury panel, which included, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, Value Accelerator Sector Advisor, Goldman Sachs Asset Management – Healthcare, Vikrant Shrotriya, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, Suraja Kishore, CEO- BBDO & TeamX for Mercedes-Benz, India , Monica Gangwani, Executive Director India, Advisory Services, Eversana, besides Susan Josi, Independent Healthcare Consultant.
The Award for Consumer Health Brand of the Year 2023 was bagged by Galderma India Pvt Ltd for CETAPHIL, while 1st and 2nd runner up awards were presented to Haleon India for SENSODYNE and P&G Health India for NEUROBION respectively.
The Award for Best Consumer Health Digital Marketing Campaign was jointly presented to P&G Health (Livogen) and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd (La Shield), while Bayer India (Saridon- Aarampur) bagged the runner up award.
The conference was supported by Bayer Consumer Health, Cipla Health, Sanofi and Goapptiv while IQVIA remained the Knowledge Partner for the event.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry