Genericisation Evokes Fierce Debate At Third Editon Of Vantage Point

Panelists divided on the impact of the push for generics, many laud the intent but remain sceptical of consequences.

- Lakshmipriya Nair & Mansha Gagneja

A FIERY debate on ‘Genericisation: Panacea or Pandora’s Box?’ ensued at the third edition of Vantage Point, Express Pharma’s platform to discuss and deliberate on Indian pharma sector’s most pressing and controversial topics. Partnered by Wellness Forever, the event was held at Sofitel in Mumbai. An eminent panel deliberated on the implications and possibilities of the Centre’s push towards genericisation of pharma brands, in a very interesting and insightful session, moderated by Dr Milind Antani, Head, Pharma and Life Sciences, Nishith Desai Associates.

The panel comprised Dr Amar Jesani, Editor, IJME; Dr Jayesh Lele, National Secretary – IMA Board of India; Milind Mangle, Internationally Certified Coach and Consultant, Angle Consultancy & Services; Vaijanath Eknath Jagushte, Treasurer, Chairman of Legal Affairs Committee — AIOCD & MSCDA and Treasurer of MSCDA; Priti Mohile, Managing Director, Media Medic Communications; Dr KS Sharma, PG Committee Member, Medical Council of India MCI and Director Academic Tata Hospital; Daara Patel, Secretary General, IDMA and Dr Suleiman Merchant, Dean, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College.

Dr Antani drew out the panelists to share their views candidly and discuss the ramifications of a mandate to prescribe only generic names of drugs. He steered the debate to touch upon lesser discussed points and look at the issue in a more detailed manner. He also threw light on many legal aspects of the issue and explained the various grey areas to give more clarity on the same. Dr Antani, in the course of his moderation, quipped that the Indian life sciences industry is facing a challenge between choosing what is ethical and what is legal.