The Indian Association of Animal Health Companies (INFAH) formed under section 25 of Indian Companies act had its National launch at Hotel Le - Meridien, New Delhi on 20th day of December 2012.
On this historic day galaxy of government. officials, policy makers viz Mr. G. C. Pati, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. K. M. L. Pathak, Deputy Director General, ICAR, Dr. G. N. Singh, Drug Controller General (India), Dr. Amarjit Singh Nanda, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Mr. Sanjay Bhoosreddy, Joint Secretary (APF), Dr. Rishendra Verma, Joint Director - Research, NDRI, Mr. S. P. Shani, Deputy Drug Controller (India), Dr. S. C. Gupta, Assistant Director General, ICAR, Dr. B. S. Prakash, Assistant Director General, ICAR and many other officials were present.
The event was attended by plethora of Indian Industry captains, Ms. Barbara Freischem, Executive director, IFAH, press and many dignitaries.
The theme of the launch meet was "Public-Private Partnership". The summit was divided into two segments viz. launch of INFAH and deliberations on PPP.
Dr. P. G. Phalke, Organising Secretary for INFAH’s National Launch anchored the entire session. Dr. Asim Banerjee, President, INFAH welcomed the guest and the audience on this historic day. "A dream came true!! Animal Health Industry has found its own Identity." - mentioned Dr. Banerjee. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Satish Pasrija, Vice President, INFAH regarding the background of INFAH formation, its vision, mission, issues and key objectives.
INFAH theme was unveiled by the dignitaries and its website www.infah.org was launched by Dr. G. N. Singh, DCGI. Mr. Vijay Teng, Management Committee Member, INFAH briefed the audience about development of INFAH’s website and assured that it would be comprehensive considering all stakeholders and also there will be continuous improvement in the contents of website.
The International Federation of Animal Health Companies (IFAH) is a global body of Animal Health Companies engaged in coordination of between industry and various regulatory agencies. Its Executive Director, Ms. Barbara Freischem mentioned about IFAH’s activities and how IFAH can add value to INFAH and help Indian Animal health industry expanding its base in Global Animal Health market. Dr. D. K. Dey, Hon. Secretary, INFAH presented the perspective of Animal Health Industry and emphasized the need of translating research conducted by the institutions to commercial success by Animal Health Companies through PPP module.
Dr. K. M. L. Pathak, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR, in his speech assured all kinds of support and mentioned that post formation INFAH’s responsibility will increase with the time to come, its members should adhere to the quality commitments in line with expectation of regulators. Dr. G. N. Singh, DCGI mentioned that Veterinary medicines and vaccines always find a special attention from Drug Control Administration.
Mr. G. C. Pati, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying assured that his department will remove impediments on scientific and technology development in order to facilitate scientific research and new product development.
The second session of the program and 1st PPP summit was chaired by Dr. A. S. Nanda, AHC and Dr. Jeetendra Verma, Management Committee Member, INFAH was the rapporteur.
Dr. Nanda expressed hope that the AH industry should identify its present gap and work on it. The next key note speaker Dr. S. C. Gupta, ADG, ICAR (Animal Production) emphasized that AH industry should not shy away in approaching institutions like ICAR to commercialize the technologies in PPP module.
Mr. Sanjay Bhoosreddy, Joint Secretary - Administration, Poultry and Fodder opined that the volumes will be game changer in coming days. His department is always committed to remove impediments (both fiscal and non fiscal) provided the demands are supported by strong logic and reasoning.
Dr. Rishendra Verma, Joint Director-Research, Chairman-Indian Pharmacopeia, Veterinary sub - committee presented developments on IP in the past decades in standardization of veterinary vaccines. Mr. S. P. Shani, Deputy Drugs Controller, mentioned that the regulations of Medicines and Vaccines in terms of safety and efficacy are very important in controlling the eradication of diseases. The Drug Control Administration is now fully equipped to ensure fast track approvals of Veterinary Products.
Dr. B. S. Prakash, ADG, ICAR emphasized the need that AH industry of India should become self reliant and reduce its dependence on import of products.
Dr. Phalke appreciated the contribution of Dr. P. K. Shukla, Ex. Joint Commissioner (Poultry) for his continuous support and guidance to animal health industry. INFAH presented a memento to Dr. Shukla as a token gesture for his contribution.
Gratitude is the inner feelings of kindness received --- mentioned Dr. Arun Atrey, Management Committee Member, INFAH while giving Vote of thanks. The overwhelming response from Regulators and Industry on the occasion of INFAH launch has raised the benchmark. We have to work hard and work closely for the benefit of AH industry in coming days, Dr. Atrey concluded.
