PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised the Medical Devices, Pharma and Healthcare Summit on February 17, 2024, at its New Delhi headquarters PHD House, with the theme of Empowering Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Logistics Odyssey
The summit aimed to bring together industry experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation for the betterment of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. It offered a diverse range of thematic sessions, attracting an impressive participation of over 30+ speakers, 10+ exhibitors, and 150+ delegates.
Dr Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, logistical hurdles included workforce shortages, border closures, and unpredictable market conditions.
“However, there were significant accomplishments, including improved communication networks, adaptable supply chain approaches, and the use of data analytics to enhance resource allocation, all of which facilitated the effective distribution of essential resources and support services,” he noted.
Former Secretary, DPIIT, N Sivasailam commended PHDCCI for being the pioneer industry body that swiftly initiated the necessary actions for transporting essential items within the first week of the COVID-19 lockdown. This proactive step set the precedent for others to follow in ensuring the smooth transportation of vital goods during the pandemic.
“There were notable successes, including swift adoption of new technologies, collective problem-solving, and the rise of inventive solutions to ensure the prompt delivery of critical goods and services,” Sivasailam highlighted.
Sumit Duggal, Co-Chair, Retail, E-Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, PHDCCI in his opening remarks, emphasised the importance of addressing key themes and issues shaping the future of healthcare logistics in our country. He stressed the need to uphold principles of inclusivity and equity, highlighting that the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat should go beyond mere self-sufficiency to empower every individual and community, ensuring no one is left behind in our pursuit of progress and prosperity.
In his address, Madu Lokan, Executive Director, The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) – APAC underscored the critical need for government authorities, industry bodies, and associations like TAPA to prioritise and implement global standards certification and best practices.
“Through training and workshops, stakeholders can enhance the skills of the workforce to adapt to the evolving business landscape. This approach strengthens businesses and aligns with the shared goal of establishing a resilient, secure, and efficient supply chain for pharmaceuticals and medical devices,” he emphasised.
The summit in the Technical Sessions covered subjects such as:
•Bringing the Pharma Supply Chain into the New Era alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat
•Combating Counterfeiting in the Pharma and Medical Devices Supply Chain
•Innovative Cold Chain Solutions for Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
•Last-mile delivery and Patient-Centric Supply Chains
•Data-Driven Procurement and Sourcing: Leveraging Analytics for Informed Decision-Making
In its Fireside Chat Sessions, the summit covered subjects such as:
•Quality Assurance in Pharma and Medical Devices – Then – Now – and the Way Forward
•Insights into the logistical challenges and triumphs experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic
The summit was moderated by Ajay Bansal, Senior Secretary, PHDCCI and sponsored by Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA – APAC), MOVIN Express and Icertis.
Vipin Vohra, Co-Chair of Aviation Committee, PHDCCI and Chairman of Continental Carriers Group of Companies felicitated Dr Ahirwar and Sivasailam for convening the proceedings of the summit and extending their valuable insights and experiences to the attendees..
