Bhaskar Tare, Director of Gloocal Communications, honoured with Pride of Spandan Award 2024

 

Bhaskar Tare, Director of Gloocal Communications, was honored with the prestigious "Pride of Spandan Award 2024" in recognition of his remarkable two-decade journey in the field of public relations. Known for his expertise in reputation management, Mr. Tare has also been a beacon of hope for countless needy patients, providing them with guidance, direction, and financial assistance through available CSR resources. The state-level ceremony took place in Karad, a city celebrated as the birthplace of Maharashtra's first Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan.

The award was presented to Mr. Tare by Dr. Nilkanth Dharsewar Maharaj and Mr. Mangesh Chivate, former head of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Sandip Dakve, President of Spandan Charitable Trust; journalists Bhimrao Dhulap and Gajanan Tupe; and renowned singer Kavita Ram.

A trailblazer in the field of public relations, Bhaskar Tare embarked on his professional journey in 2005. Over the past two decades, he has built a formidable reputation as an expert in reputation management. Under his leadership, Gloocal Communications has successfully managed the public image of numerous prominent hospitals and companies, offering a range of PR and digital marketing services across India.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Tare has exemplified a strong commitment to social responsibility. Through Gloocal Communications and personal initiatives, he has supported countless patients in need, creating a lasting positive impact. His efforts have also provided employment opportunities to over 25 young professionals, fostering their growth and development in the industry.

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Bhaskar Tare expressed his gratitude and humility, stating "I am deeply honored to receive the Pride of Spandan Award 2024. This recognition motivates me to continue striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sandip Dakve and the Spandan Charitable Trust for this esteemed acknowledgment."

The Pride of Spandan Award celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to their fields and society. Bhaskar Tare's dedication to excellence and his unwavering commitment to giving back to the community truly embody the spirit of this honor.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal envisions a Thalassemia-Free India

 

By persevering in the face of challenges and persisting with his vision, Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal is leading the charge to make thalassemia a thing of the past in India. His work reminds us that with collective will and determined action, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, the President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) in Hyderabad, states that Thalassemia disorder represents not just a medical challenge but a call to action. His relentless efforts are driving a nationwide movement to create a “Thalassemia Mukt Bharat.”

Early Detection: The Key to Prevention

For Dr. Agarwal, prevention is the cornerstone of his mission. He emphasizes the importance of early detection through simple yet critical blood tests like the HbA2 test during the first trimester of pregnancy. "Due to a lack of awareness, even some doctors fail to recommend the HbA2 test to pregnant women," he notes. "Screening is essential to prevent the transmission of thalassemia to unborn children."

Under his leadership, Mahbubnagar district in Telangana became the first in India to achieve 100% prenatal screening for thalassemia, setting a benchmark for other regions. This achievement underscores the power of community engagement and government collaboration in combating hereditary disorders.

Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, poses significant health challenges due to the body's inability to produce sufficient hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. While the condition varies in severity, the most severe forms can lead to lifelong dependence on blood transfusions and other intensive treatments. For

The Challenge of Thalassemia

Thalassemia comes in two main forms: alpha and beta thalassemia. While alpha thalassemia affects the alpha-globin genes, beta thalassemia impacts the beta-globin genes. The most severe forms, such as alpha thalassemia major and beta thalassemia major (Cooley’s anemia), result in life-threatening complications that require regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Symptoms like fatigue, slow growth, bone deformities, and organ enlargement make this condition a significant burden for patients and their families.

A Comprehensive Approach to Care

Dr. Agarwal’s vision extends beyond prevention to the holistic care of those already affected by thalassemia. At the TSCS center in Hyderabad, over 4,000 children receive free medical care each month. Services include blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and advanced diagnostic tests. Additionally, the center provides free food and psychological counseling for patients and their families, ensuring emotional and physical well-being.

“Treatment is only one part of the equation,” Dr. Agarwal explains. “We focus on empowering families through education and support, helping them navigate this challenging journey with dignity and hope.”

Mobilizing Government and Philanthropy

One of Dr. Agarwal’s key strategies is leveraging partnerships with government schemes like Aarogya and mobilizing philanthropic contributions. This collaborative approach has enabled TSCS to expand its reach and offer services that are entirely free of cost, making it accessible to underserved communities.

A Global Model for Change

Dr. Agarwal’s work has earned TSCS recognition as a global leader in thalassemia care. The organization’s model—integrating prevention, treatment, and community support—has attracted attention from international groups, eager to replicate its success.

A Future Without Thalassemia

Dr. Agarwal’s ultimate goal is clear: to eliminate thalassemia from India entirely. Achieving this requires mandatory HbA2 testing for all pregnant women, widespread public awareness, and sustained government support. As he tirelessly campaigns for a thalassemia-free future, Dr. Agarwal’s leadership and dedication inspire hope, transforming the lives of thousands and setting a powerful example for the world.

AIPAC kicks off landmark Pharma MSME programme in Indore with overwhelming response

 Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai

The All India Pharmaceutical Associations Consortium (AIPAC) recently unveiled its maiden initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the pharmaceutical sector at the Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Indore. The event, with over 250 delegates in attendance, marked a pivotal moment in the empowerment of MSMEs through skill development and scientific excellence.

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) inaugurated the event, setting the tone for a transformative day. Themed “Symposium on Dissolution Science and Technology for QA, QC, R&D, and Regulatory Professionals of Pharma”, the programme focused on equipping professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques in dissolution science and quality control.

AIPAC collaborated with leading industry bodies such as the Society for Pharmaceutical Dissolution Science (SPDS), Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA-MP), and Madhya Pradesh State Drugs and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (MPSDMA) to organize this landmark event.

Key figures such as Dr. L. Ramaswamy, Founder and National Convenor of AIPAC, and S. R. Vaidya, Chairman of IDMA’s SME Committee, Paresh Chawla, Chairman, MP Branch of IDMA, played crucial roles in the programme's success. Esteemed speakers, including industry veterans like Vijay Kshirsagar, Suhas Yewale, Dr. Padma Devarajan, and others, delivered insightful sessions on topics ranging from regulatory compliance to advancements in dissolution methods.

Dr. Raghuvanshi, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of raising industry standards and fostering collaboration between MSMEs, regulators, and academia. "Empowering MSMEs is not just about growth; it's about ensuring the production of quality, affordable medicines for millions," he remarked.

The event also highlighted AIPAC's mission to provide affordable and specialized training to MSMEs. By bridging the gap between MSMEs and regulatory bodies like CDSCO and Indian Pharmacopoeia, AIPAC aims to enhance compliance and quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

MPSDMA President Dr. Darshan Kataria announced the association’s integration into AIPAC, signalling a growing coalition dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs. Global dissolution testing leader SOTAX and other prominent organizations such as USP, IP, and Asian Paints supported the initiative, significantly subsidizing delegate fees.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates, AIPAC has already scheduled its next events in February 2025—one in Chandigarh in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS Nagar, and another in Bangalore with Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE). The consortium also committed to conducting quarterly programmes nationwide, focusing on diverse topics to enhance quality systems and production.

AIPAC's inaugural programme not only underscored the sector's potential but also demonstrated the power of collaboration between regulators, industry leaders, and academia. As India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to grow, initiatives like these are poised to play a crucial role in ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation across the industry.

(Source - Pharmabiz)

Methylcobalamin a game-changer in clinical practice & modern medicine: Dr Sanjay Agrawal

 

By Shardul Nautiyal 

In a comprehensive review of its therapeutic potential, Dr Sanjay Agrawal, Scientific Advisor of Alkomex GBN USA, highlights the pivotal role of methylcobalamin in modern clinical practice.

Dr Agrawal urges greater awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of methylcobalamin. “Its role in treating conditions like diabetic neuropathy, chronic pain, and neurological disorders underscores its importance as a cornerstone of modern medicine.”

Vitamin B12, a crucial water-soluble vitamin, is integral to DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. It is predominantly found in animal-based foods like meat, fish, and dairy products, with plant-based foods providing little to none. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious health consequences, often requiring supplementation.

“Methylcobalamin, an active form of vitamin B12, is the most bioavailable and therapeutically effective form. Unlike cyanocobalamin, which requires biotransformation, methylcobalamin is readily absorbed and utilized by the body, making it a preferred choice for supplementation,” says Dr Agrawal.

Methylcobalamin has been extensively studied and used in clinical practice since the 1990s. According to Dr Agrawal, its benefits extend far beyond basic vitamin B12 supplementation.

“Laboratory and clinical evidence demonstrate its effectiveness in promoting healthy nerve function, relieving neuropathic pain, and reducing inflammation,” Dr Agrawal explains.

Its key benefits include promoting myelin synthesis and nerve regeneration, providing analgesic effects for nerve-related pain, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dr Agrawal notes that methylcobalamin has shown remarkable efficacy in managing neurological disorders, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in pain and disability scores among patients treated with methylcobalamin.

Chronic low back pain and neck pain - Randomized studies reveal improved pain scores and functionality with methylcobalamin injections compared to placebos.

Patients reported dramatic pain relief, with some experiencing a 50% reduction in pain through daily methylcobalamin injections in trigeminal neuralgia and herpetic neuralgia.

Faster recovery of facial nerve function has been observed with methylcobalamin therapy in Bell’s palsy cases. Studies indicate improvements in communication, oxidative stress, and survival rates in early-treated autism and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) patients.

Dr Agrawal emphasizes the safety profile of methylcobalamin, which is well-tolerated even at high doses. “Clinical studies using doses up to 50 mg twice weekly have reported no significant side effects,” he says.

Research also supports methylcobalamin’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike other forms of vitamin B12. “This unique property allows it to directly impact neurotransmitter activity and protect the brain,” adds Dr Agrawal.

“Methylcobalamin can be administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously, with therapeutic doses ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 µg per day. Lower doses, administered over extended periods, have also proven effective,” Dr Agrawal advises.

“Methylcobalamin addresses fundamental issues in neuropathic pain and nerve damage. Its ability to reduce inflammation, promote nerve regeneration, and provide analgesic effects makes it an invaluable tool in clinical practice,” says Dr Agrawal.

(Source- www.pharmabiz.com)

 

 

FPME Annual Conclave - 2024 deliberates global supply chain resilience and quality excellence through collaborations

 

The pharmaceutical export community gathered in Mumbai for the highly anticipated event, "Know Your Value," centred on the critical roles of the Government, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and Customs in facilitating pharmaceutical exports across resilient global supply chains. The event, organized by the Federation of Pharmaceutical and Allied Products Merchant Exporters (FPME), featured a robust agenda, a CEO panel discussion, and an awards ceremony. It also included a Motivational Session by Arun Sehgal, managing director, Chempro Group.

President of FPME and Director of MT Madon Exports Pvt Ltd Kamlesh Shah was also felicitated for completing 50 years in pharma exports business.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha MP and vice-chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for streamlined regulatory processes to bolster pharma exports. Paresh Mehta, regional chairman (WR) of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), highlighted the significant contributions of merchant exporters to India's economy.

“The DGFT has been playing a pivotal role in enhancing India's trade capabilities through targeted schemes like the Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS), the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) refund duties incurred during manufacturing, such as electricity or embedded taxes. This ensures that Indian products are priced competitively in global markets”, stated deputy DGFT Vishwajeet G Chimankar.

The event included an in-depth discussion on government schemes, with inputs from Jayant Kumar, Deputy Drugs Controller (West Zone 2), CDSCO), and Kaushal Thakker, managing director of Harish & Company Pvt. Ltd. Topics included regulatory compliance and logistics optimization for pharma exports.

The CEO roundtable addressed crucial themes such as manufacturing challenges, global logistics, regulatory compliance, and the future prospects of the pharmaceutical industry. Panelists included Harish Jain, director, Embiotic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Ramaswamy Lakshmanan, chairman, Sotax India Pvt. Ltd, Ramesh Rughani, chairman & MD, Khyati Global Ventures Ltd, Ashish Vora, founder & chairman, Prime Pharma Pvt. Ltd.

Dr. Ramaswamy Lakshmanan remarked, "The resilience of India's pharmaceutical export supply chain lies in the collaboration of stakeholders, from regulators to exporters. Initiatives like this not only elevate standards but also inspire collective action towards global healthcare objectives."

FPME highlighted its commitment to supporting over 500 SME pharma companies involved in exports, seeking certifications in collaboration with the stakeholders.

 FPME's leadership, including Sandeep Modi and Dharmesh Kharwar, joint secretary, conducted the proceedings. In his vote of thanks, Kharwar expressed gratitude to all participants, stating, "The success of this event is a testament to our collective vision for advancing India's position as a global pharmaceutical leader."

FPME expressed optimism about working closely with regulatory bodies like DGFT, CDSCO, and Customs. These partnerships aim to ensure rigorous auditing, post-audit inspections, and targeted training to enhance product quality and supply chain resilience. The event served as a milestone in fostering collaboration across stakeholders, reflecting India’s growing influence in the global pharmaceutical landscape.