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)