Category: HEALTH & PHARMA
Therapeutic equivalence and safety confirmed between DMB-3115 and Stelara in global phase III – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced that the European Medicine Agency (EMA) confirms acceptance of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for DMB-3115, a biosimilar of Stelara® (Ustekinumab). The MAA has been submitted by Accord Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. on June 23rd, and the EMA accepted the MAA submission on 14th July.
Dong-A Socio Holdings and Meiji Seika Pharma began joint development for DMB-3115 in 2013, and the rights for R&D and commercialization were transferred from Dong-A Socio Holdings to Dong-A ST in July 2020 for efficient project management. In July 2021, Dong-A ST and Meiji Seika Pharma signed an exclusive, global license agreement with Intas Pharmaceuticals and granted exclusive worldwide commercialization rights excluding Korea, Japan, and some Asian countries. Intas Pharmaceuticals is set to commercialize DMB-3115 with its global subsidiaries – Accord BioPharma of the US and Accord Healthcare of the EU, UK, and Canada.
The MAA submission is based on results from the phase III multi-regional clinical trials in patients with plaque psoriasis (NCT04785326). The primary endpoint was the rate of change in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) for skin symptoms. As a result, the therapeutic equivalence between DMB-3115 and the reference product was verified, and no safety issues were observed.
“We are truly excited by this partnership which, besides strengthening our existing biosimilar portfolio, also reinforces our long-term commitment towards bettering access to world-class biosimilar drugs for patients globally,” said Mr Binish Chudgar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Mr. Paul Tredwell, Executive Vice President of Accord Healthcare said, “We are delighted to reinforce our partnership with Dong-a & Meiji for Accord Healthcare to file for global rights to this critical drug reinforcing our commitment to improving access to high-quality biosimilar drugs for patients globally.” A spokesperson for Dong-A ST stated, “We will spare no effort to ensure DMB-3115 is supplied to the global market.”
DMB-3115 is a proposed biosimilar to Stelara® which is a blockbuster drug developed by Janssen Biotech Inc. for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It recorded USD 17.77 billion USD (IQVIA Accumulative Sales in 2022) and is one of the best-selling biologics.
Entrepreneurs are shaping the future through innovation in Rajasthan – Shri Kalicharan Saraf
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur in association with PHDCCI, conducted its 7th annual seminar of Rajasthan Development Dialogue 2023 on the theme ‘Innovation, Empowerment, and Visionary Initiatives’. Shri Kalicharan Saraf – Member of Assembly and former Health Minister, Rajasthan was invited as the chief guest. Shri Saraf expressed that entrepreneurs in Rajasthan are shaping the future through innovation. Shri Digvijay Dhabriya, Chair, PHDCCI, Rajasthan Chapter & CMD, Dhabriya Polywood Ltd, delivered the welcome address as the guest of honour.
Shri Dhabriya threw the light upon the significant contribution of Rajasthan entrepreneurs to the national growth. Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, Director welcomed the guests and shared that this seminar will help to advocate for collaborative and innovative approaches to address challenges and unlock the region’s potential. A comprehensive student-driven SME Report was also unveiled on this occasion. The report is based on the first-hand insights by students as a part of the Industry Immersion Program into the small and medium enterprise sector of Rajasthan.
Throughout the day, notable sessions highlighted various aspects crucial to Rajasthan’s growth, focusing on advancing manufacturing via innovative technologies, process excellence, and strategic industrial initiatives. In the session ‘Rural Renaissance: Nurturing Agriculture for Rajasthan’s Tomorrow,’ Dr. Atul Gupta, Chair Managing Director, Sunrise Agriland Development & Research Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Radhey Shayam Sharma, Director, Baagwaan Irrigation; Mr. Laxman Prasad Sharma- Secretary, Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board expressed their views, while in the session ‘Empowering Rajasthan: Social Sector Innovations for a Brighter Tomorrow,’ Ms. Nisha Grover, Founder, Vatsalya Legacy Education; Ms. Priti Goyal, Founder, Dream Achiever Club; Ms. Laxmi Ashok, Founder, Shilpayan Sansthan; Ms. Lavina Rathore, Project Manager, I-India shared their thoughts. ‘Rajasthan Renaissance: Exploring the Investment and Business Opportunities,’ featured eminent speakers like Mr. R K Gupta, Resident Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. VS Shekhawat, Director, VS Shekhawat & Associates and Mr. Prahlad Rai, Manager, Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO). In the session ‘Rajasthan Reimagined: Crafting Tomorrow’s Heritage, Designing Future Tourism,’ Ms. Radhika Pachar, Director, Pachar Group of Hotels; Mr. Shivang Agrawal, Architect, Studio Infinite and Mr. Vishnu Goyal, Director, VAB Consultancy Solution shared their thoughts.
In the session ‘Educational Visionaries: Transforming Challenges into opportunities in Rajasthan,’ Dr. R.L. Raina, Vice-Chancellor/President, Jaipur National University; Dr. Anoop Singh Poonia, Chairman Rajasthan Institute of Engineering and Technology and Dr. Raghav Prakash, Chairman, Parishkar International College expressed their views. In the session, “Evolving Landscapes: Town Planning for a Flourishing Rajasthan” the speakers were Er Nagendra Chaudhary, General Secretary, Township Developers Association of Rajasthan; Mr. Satish Sharma, Former Chief Town Planner. In the session, “Crafting the future: Innovations in Manufacturing Excellence” the speakers were Shri Ajay Gupta, CEO, Kamtech Associates Mr. Sudhir Nijawan, Managing Director, Nifty Innovation Pvt Ltd. In the session “Circular Economy/ Sustainability-From Waste to Wealth: Rajasthan’s Circular Revolution” the speakers were Dr. V K. Singhal, Fomer Chief Engineer, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Development; Mr. Manoj Sabu, Co-Founder, Ecowrap. In the session, “Blue Horizons: Rajasthan’s Journey towards Water Conservation” the speakers were, Mr. Ravi Solanki, Engineer, Water Resources Department (WRDO); Dr. V K. Singhal, Former Chief Engineer, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Department. In the session, “Rajasthan’s Entrepreneurs: Crafting Success, Defining Tomorrow” Ms. Alka Batra, Managing Director, Aegis Jobs; Ms. Meeta Mathur, Chairperson, AWARE; Mr. Dhawal Singhal, Mentor, I-start Rajasthan expressed their views.
Shri Amit Kumar Choudhary, Co-Chair, PHDCCI-Rajasthan Chapter & Director, DD Pharmaceuticals was the guest of honour for the valedictory session. Dr. Varun Chotia and Dr. Aparna Mendiratta convened the seminar and presented a formal vote of thanks.
Blue Star Ltd : Net Profit for the quarter grew to Rs 83.37 crores compared to Rs 74.35 crores in Q1FY23 – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
The Company entered Q1FY24 on a strong note on the heels of an exceptional Q4FY23 performance with a record carried forward order book and a promising summer season. While the unseasonal rains across the country resulted in muted demand for the unitary products, with its robust performance in its diversified B2B business portfolio, the Company delivered good results for the quarter.
Consolidated Financial Performance for Q1FY24
- The Company’s Revenue from Operations increased by 12.6% to Rs 2,226.00 crores for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to Rs 1,977.03 crores during the same period in the previous year.
- The Operating Profit (PBIDTA excluding Other Income and Finance Income) for the quarter was Rs 145.00 crores (6.5% of Revenue) compared to Rs 123.31 crores (6.2% of Revenue) in Q1FY23.
- Net Profit for the quarter grew to Rs 83.37 crores compared to Rs 74.35 crores in Q1FY23.
- Other Income (including Finance Income) for Q1FY24 was Rs 9.40 crores compared to Rs 10.51 crores in Q1FY23.
- Finance Cost for the quarter increased to Rs 18.00 crores from Rs 10.62 crores in Q1FY23.
- Tax expense for the quarter was Rs 30.24 crores compared to Rs 26.34 crores in Q1FY23.
- Earnings per share (not annualized) for Q1FY24 (Face value of Rs 2.00) was Rs 4.33 compared to Rs 3.86 in Q1FY23.
- Carried Forward Order Book as on June 30, 2023, grew by 37.4% to Rs 5359.05 crores, compared to Rs 3901.48 crores as on June 30, 2022.
- Net Borrowing as on June 30, 2023, was Rs 283.46 crores (Debt Equity ratio of 0.20 on a net basis), compared to a net cash position of Rs 81.03 crores as of June 30, 2022. Relatively higher borrowing levels are due to the investments in manufacturing capacity expansion to meet the growth in demand.
Consolidated Segment Performance for Q1FY24
- Revenue of the Electro-Mechanical Projects and Commercial Air Conditioning Systems grew by 19.1% to Rs 949.12 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 796.76 crores in Q1FY23. The Segment Result for Q1FY24 was Rs 66.62 crores (7.0% of Revenue) compared to Rs 45.17 crores (5.7% of Revenue) in Q1FY23. In the Electro-Mechanical Projects business, the government’s continued thrust in enhancing manufacturing Capex led to healthy order bookings from the Factories and Data Center sectors. While the Company bagged fewer than anticipated orders from the Commercial Buildings sector, it saw an uptick in enquiries from the Healthcare and Hospitality sectors. The inflow of enquiries and tenders in the Railway Electrification and Metro Railway sectors also remained buoyant throughout the quarter. The Commercial Air Conditioning business witnessed continued traction from the Government, Industrial and Healthcare sectors coupled with increasing demand from the Education and Retail sectors which enabled the growth of this business.
- Unitary Products revenue grew by 6.3% to Rs 1,198.45 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 1127.59 crores in Q1FY23. The Segment Result was Rs 89.34 crores (7.5% of Revenue) in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 91.13 crores (8.1% of Revenue) in Q1FY23. With large parts of the country witnessing unseasonal rains, the demand for room air conditioners remained flat. The Commercial Refrigeration business witnessed traction across all segments with an uptick in demand from the Hospitality, Pharma and Processed Food sectors coupled with strong demand from Educational Institutions and Commercial Establishments. The Company also witnessed growth in the Modular Cold Rooms category with significant investments in Infrastructure for the Warehousing and Logistics segment, apart from seeing increased traction for its kitchen refrigeration equipment, driven by the growth of QSRs and the Hospitality sectors.
- The Professional Electronics and Industrial Systems Business revenue grew by 48.9% to Rs 78.43 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 52.68 crores in Q1FY23. With a steady rise in corporate capex across segments, revenue grew across all lines of business. Increased penetration and investments in the Healthcare segment by both the public and private sectors continued to create opportunities for the Healthcare business. Additionally, the Non-Destructive Testing business also continued to gain momentum during the quarter. The Segment Result was Rs 10.49 crores (13.4% of Revenue) in Q1FY24 compared with Rs 5.89 crores (11.2% of Revenue) in Q1FY23.
British Asian entrepreneur fights against reports of “knock-off” Indian medicines
A British Asian entrepreneur has launched what he says could be a “landmark” legal battle against a major British tabloid newspaper, after he branded a report a “witch hunt”
The move comes after Nottingham-based Sukhi Ghuman reacted angrily to a Sunday Mirror article that reported that chemotherapy medicine imported from an Indian- based firm to the US was “knock-off”.
Nottingham-based Sukhi Ghuman returned to the UK from US in 2023, where as a “silent investor” he had built a group of seven successful cancer and rheumatology treatment clinics across Arizona and California.
He had begun treatment for his own cancer whilst in the states but last year returned to be closer to his Sikh family in the East Midlands.
Currently in remission and taking a sabbatical while he recovers, Ghuman was rocked by reports from The Sunday Mirror in early January revealing that he and his wife (a part-time bookkeeper) face extradition to the States for procuring goods without a licence.
Sukhi Ghuman says the charges had come “out of the blue” in November 2023 and were in danger of sullying his reputation as a respected entrepreneur.
However, he was even more taken aback by what he describes as “lazy” reporting after the paper branded the medicines “knock-off”;
“Frankly, I’m shocked and appalled. I’m stunned that a professional media outlet would casually use words like “knock-off” to describe medication from another country, especially a country (India) that manufactures 20% of the world’s global generic medication and 60% of the world’s vaccines were from major multinational corporations.”.
He added: “I am not sure where they got the story from – although I have my suspicions. I would expect more care from such an historic newspaper in terms of their phrasing. I do not dispute that the clinic practices, which were in existence before I became involved, were technically incorrect, however these are bona fide proper medication, without a single complaint in five years of operation.”
Sukhi Ghuman insists they were not “knock-off” or in any way harmful to anyone’s health.He added: “We treated thousands of patients, many of whom could not afford to have been treated otherwise, what was the doctor and clinic meant to do, turn them away?.
‘We spent $35m dollars on US medicine in addition to that limited quantity imported from India. However, despite what the Sunday Mirror report says they do not amount to ‘smuggling’ or ‘exploitation’ – the medication was shipped over correctly by cold chain mail from established companies like INTAS, BSV, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma and Cipla, not to mention three different pharma companies in IPSEN, Baxter and Bristol Myers Squib. I wonder, would these organisations find such language be acceptable?”.
Ghuman says he is “dismayed” as the clinics were operated passionately and diligently by professional cancer doctors and support teams.He added: “Although my intervention was minimal, having recently checked the buying records, we spent in excess of $35m buying medication from the USA. The existing practices of the clinic had utilised an overseas wholesaler, for those vulnerable that could not afford to buy the same product in the USA – which was ten times more expensive.,
“In the UK the laws are different as this is not related to profit, and you can purchase from overseas to treat oneself. Indeed, recent reports show that Florida can import medication from Canada as people cannot afford the astronomical cost of healthcare in the USA. However, with hindsight I would have paid more attention, than allowing the two clinics to run themselves with the current buying practices.
“I’m upset that The Sunday Mirror published sensitive news without proper validation that left me and my former USA colleagues dumbfounded, causing extreme distress to my family as I personally chose that medication for my recovery under my clinic.
“The case will be considered with proper background verification; however, it is time to address the situation where words live longer in this current Internet age. These medicines have the identical active ingredients which are approved and licensed for use in the US so hereby any ‘knock-off’ status is purely a false claim for page hits.”
Investment in Digital Technology to Extend India’s Services Through Telemedicine: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India today said that India is working towards creating a people-centric value-based system of healthcare. Highlighting the potential of India’s medical value travel sector he said, “The sector is projected to reach $ 13 billion by 2026, and this will be supported by the years of creating a borderless world along with highly qualified and skilful workforce to contribute to organized system of workforce mobility.”
Addressing the ‘One Earth, One Health – Advantage Healthcare India 2023 (AHCI)’, organized by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India and FICCI, Dr Mandaviya added, “India is known as the Pharmacy of the world. It is the largest provider of generic medicines globally and has 20 per cent of the global supply and has contributed 60 per cent of the global vaccine. This shows our commitment to the global community. AHCI 2023 will focus on promoting value-based healthcare through medical value travel. Patients can travel to any part of the world to access specialized treatment from renowned medical experts and cutting-edge facilities.”
Dr Mandaviya also launched ‘Advantage Healthcare India Portal’ for promoting value-based health care based on principles of patient mobility and health workforce mobility. “The launch of India’s one-stop digital portal is not just a milestone for India, but a significant step towards fulfilling our global responsibilities,” he asserted.
Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of AYUSH, Government of India said, “The only way to combat the alarming problem of health is to implement a harmonized and coordinated studies of traditional medicine through effective governance. India being a soft power in the traditional system of medicine can play a vital role here in mitigation of this alarming sense in healthcare.”
Mr Sonowal further stated that there has been increasing demand for AYUSH not only in India but across the world and the AYUSH market is projected to reach $ 23.3 billion soon. “This is indicative of the growing AYUSH ecosystem and its widespread adoption in public health,” he added.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization (WHO) said that investing in digital technology is very important because the services that can be provided from India could also be available to all through telemedicine. It will help patients who cannot afford to travel long distances. The services can be available to the world through digital technology. “This is a great opportunity for India especially in the Medical Value sector, as it can give you a huge advantage and the sector can be further strengthened by building capacities,” he added.
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State (BPP), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India said, “To achieve affordable and accessible healthcare for all, the government is actively pursuing the establishment of integrative medicine wings in all hospitals. The combination of traditional and modern medicine is crucial, and this integration is important in remote areas.”
Prof SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State (SPSB), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, expressed, “Medical Value Travel is a link between patients and health service providers and we aim to create synergies with the global health eco-system.”
Mr Sudhansh Pant, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India said “AHCI 2023 hopes to promote collaborative healthcare efforts across the border, knowledge sharing and capacity building among the countries and various healthcare providers.”
Mr Pankaj Patel, Past President, FICCI and Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences said, “Treating a patient involves two crucial aspects: providing medical intervention such as medication or surgery, and equally important, attending to their psychological well-being.”
Dr Sangita Reddy, Past President, FICCI and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “We believe that establishing partnerships is essential for effectively treating patients today and for developing the necessary infrastructure and resources in their countries for future treatments and advancements. Therefore, we need to strive to build bridges of collaboration and mutual support that will benefit all involved parties.”
Mr G Kamala Vadhana Rao, Secretary to the Government of India & CEO, FSSAI and Ms Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India also expressed their insights during the event.
The purpose of the three-day occasion is to highlight India’s role as the emerging centre for Medical Value Travel, underscoring its transformation into a prominent provider of top-notch healthcare and wellness offerings. The summit aims to foster healthcare partnerships among the nations involved, encouraging collaboration.
Indian pharmaceutical industry likely to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030
Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of India today released the FICCI-EY report – ‘Decoding India’s Healthcare Landscape’. The report highlights India’s remarkable strides in the healthcare sector over the past decades, emphasizing the concerted efforts to enhance accessibility, quality, and innovation, thus paving the path towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all.
Key Achievements:
- Healthcare Expenditure: Healthcare expenditure as a % of India’s GDP has shown a significant upward trend, indicating a growing acknowledgment of healthcare investment importance. Starting at 0.9% in 2003-04 and rising to 1.2% by 2014-15, the latest data from 2022-23 demonstrates a substantial increase to 2.1% of GDP.
- The steady decrease in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 48.2% in 2018-19 signifies an improvement in the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services
- Health Indicators: India has made significant progress in improving the key health indicators such as infant mortality, maternal mortality, and neonatal mortality rates.
- Revolutionizing Healthcare Infrastructure: The country has witnessed an increase in the number of government hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare infrastructure. This expansion has been crucial in accommodating the growing healthcare demands of the population. Consequently, share of public healthcare institutions both in OPD and IPD have increased since 2014. In the last two decades, the number of medical colleges has nearly tripled. Since 2014, the number of medical colleges have increased by a CAGR of 5.9%. The significant increase in the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats over the years reflects a concerted effort to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in India
- Expanding Healthcare Workforce: India has witnessed a significant increase in the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Moreover, there has been a surge in the utilization of public health facilities, accompanied by an increase in the count of registered nurses. The number of registered allopathic doctors witnessed substantial growth, rising from 6,60,801 in 2005 to 13,08,009 in 2022
- Pharmaceutical Industry: India ranks third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume, known for its generic medicines and low-cost vaccines. The country is a major supplier of essential vaccines, catering to a significant portion of global demand. As per a latest report by FICCI the total market size of Indian pharmaceutical industry is expected to reach US$130 billion by 2030. India accounts for 60% of global vaccine production & Pharmaceutical exports standing at 3 times the import
- Rising Medical Value Travel: India remains an attractive destination for medical value travel. The implementation of the National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism has led to a substantial increase in medical tourists visiting India (10.8% increase in medical tourists from 2012 to 2022). This growth underscores the success of initiatives aimed at branding India as a healthcare destination and enhancing accessibility for medical travellers
- Digital Health Revolution: The Digital India program has revolutionized the healthcare sector in India, bringing about remarkable changes. Initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, CoWIN App, Aarogya Setu, e-Sanjeevani, and e-Hospital have extended healthcare facilities to every part of the nation. Through these endeavours, the existing gap among different stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem has effectively narrowed down using digital avenues
- Increasing Bed capacity: The bed capacity in Government hospitals across India has consistently grown from 4.7 lakh beds in 2005 to 8.5 lakh beds in 2021
Key imperatives to achieving India’s healthcare vision 2047:
Increase the number of qualified doctors to more than 50 lakhs, to achieve double the current global average of 16 doctors per 10,000 population and closer to average of the developed countries.
Increase the number of nurses to more than 1.25 to 1.5 crores, to achieve closer to the average of developed countries. Add 30 lakh more hospital beds, to achieve closer to the average of developed countries
Achieve 100% population with health insurance coverage
Establishing one medical college in every district of India
Reducing the share of drug costs in out-of-pocket expenditure
Accelerate digitally enabled healthcare access, by achieving 100% registration of healthcare professionals onto ABDM healthcare professional’s registry
PNB HF Expands Healthcare Access for Underprivileged Communities
PNB Housing Finance, one of India’s leading housing finance companies, through its CSR arm Pehel Foundation, announced the launch of the second phase of its Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Program in partnership with Wockhardt Foundation. The program is aimed at improving primary healthcare access for construction workers and underprivileged communities across key regions of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad, providing doorstep medical services to them.
The program is designed to address the lack of accessible and affordable healthcare services near construction sites and slum areas. Construction workers and their families often forego basic medical treatment due to high commute costs, long queues at hospitals, or fear of wage loss from time away. PNB Housing Finance and Wockhardt Foundation have joined hands to bridge this gap and offer a sustainable solution by bringing primary and preventive care directly to them.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO of PNB Housing Finance said, “Healthcare is a basic right, yet access remains a privilege for many. At PNB Housing Finance, we believe that development must be inclusive, and that means addressing real needs where they exist – on the ground, at construction sites, in underserved neighborhoods. Our Mobile Medical Unit Program in association with Wockhardt Foundation aims to reduce the financial and physical barriers that prevent thousands of underserved families from seeking primary medical care. This is not just about treatment – it’s about creating awareness and promoting long-term well-being amongst the masses.”
Mr. Denis Varghese, Director- Wockhardt Foundation, added, “This collaboration with PNB Housing Finance gives us an opportunity to bring healthcare to those who need it the most – right inside the communities. With over 93,000 lives touched in Phase 1, this next chapter will further expand our reach to over one lakh individuals—a meaningful step toward bridging the healthcare gap. By bringing healthcare to the underserved, we will continue to empower communities to take charge of their health.”
Each mobile unit is staffed with 3 members – an MBBS doctor, pharmacist and licensed driver. The medical vans will offer essential services including general check-ups, treatment for common ailments, diabetes and hypertension management, and referrals for advanced treatment. In addition, the MMUs will continue to conduct health education and hygiene awareness sessions, and promote access to government healthcare schemes, further empowering these communities with knowledge and preventive practices.
The initiative builds on the success of Phase 1, where four MMUs served thousands of beneficiaries, majority of whom were from the construction worker community. With this second phase, PNB Housing Finance reaffirms its commitment to inclusive community development and sustainable urban progress – where nobody is left behind in the journey towards better health and well-being.
INRO Summit 2025 brings together businesses from diverse industries for new growth opportunities
The Union of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce from Romania in India (UBCCR) unveils the INRO Business Summit 2025, a unique platform that promotes international trade, collaboration, and innovation between India, Romania, and worldwide markets.
Ms. Shiva Munjal, President of UBCCR, announced the summit, underlining its importance in bringing varied businesses together under one roof, “The INRO Summit 2025 is more than just an event; it is a movement to strengthen economic and business links across industries, including technology and infrastructure, healthcare, food, and manufacturing. This platform will enable firms of all sizes to enter new markets, develop beneficial alliances, and promote long-term success in a fast expanding global economy.”
The summit will be exciting for CEOs, CTOs, directors, general managers, investors, exporters, and industrialists seeking new business prospects. It will include concentrated B2B networking sessions, expert-led panels, industry workshops, and an exhibition of cutting-edge goods and solutions from leading worldwide firms.
Key industries represented at INRO Summit 2025 include:
- Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare
- Retail & Consumer Goods: Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Convenience Store Chains
- Food & Agriculture: Dairy, Spices, Meat, Poultry, Fruits & Vegetables, Alcohol, Tea, Coffee
- Automobiles, Transport, Drones, Infrastructure, Energy Solutions
- Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Furniture, Lighting
- Heavy Machinery, Equipment, Construction Materials, Bio-Fertilizers
Mr. Kunal Katyal, Vice President of Indian Affairs at UBCCR, emphasised the summit’s importance in propelling India’s corporate expansion into Romania and beyond: “This summit gives an exceptional chance for Indian entrepreneurs to develop a significant presence in Romania and the European markets. It provides a platform for entrepreneurs, exporters, and industrial leaders to explore new collaborations, utilise breakthrough technology, and discover strategic partners who share a vision for global growth.”
The INRO Summit 2025 is a must-attend event for companies looking to source new goods, grow their networks, and investigate cost-effective, scalable business solutions. The summit is poised to transform international business interaction with numerous partnership options, joint ventures, and global partnerships.
Registrations are open now! Entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and politicians are invited to attend this breakthrough event and help influence the future of cross-border business innovation.
President Marcos Jr. champions strategic ties with India
In a strong affirmation of the growing strategic and economic partnership between the Philippines and India, HE Mr Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines today welcomed deeper collaboration with Indian industry across key sectors such as advanced electronics, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure among others during the ‘Philippines-India Business Forum 2025’. The forum, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippines in collaboration with FICCI (as National Chamber) brought together top government officials, business leaders, and trade representatives from both nations. The forum marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral commercial relations.
President HE Mr Marcos further stated that with the Philippines undertaking major structural reforms to improve ease of doing business—such as the CREATE MORE Act, Green Lanes for priority investments, and workforce-aligned education—the country signals its readiness as a reliable partner for capital, technology, and talent. Both nations, sharing complementary strengths and a common vision for sustainable growth, are poised to unlock the full potential of this partnership through joint ventures, innovation, and a forthcoming Preferential Trade Agreement, he added.
“India and the Philippines are natural partners—bound by shared values, complementary strengths, and a common vision for inclusive and sustainable development. We are undertaking bold reforms to ensure the Philippines is a globally competitive, future-ready destination for investment. I invite Indian businesses to see the Philippines not just as a market, but as a strategic partner in shaping the industries of tomorrow—be it in semiconductors, clean energy, digital solutions, or healthcare. Together, we can build a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for our peoples and the region,” said President HE Mr Marcos
Hon Ms Cristina Roque, Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippines said that today’s forum reaffirms the deepening economic ties between the Philippines and India. With bilateral trade reaching a historic high and strong interest from Indian firms, we are entering a new era of strategic collaboration. The Philippines offers a dynamic, innovation-driven environment underpinned by sound macroeconomic fundamentals, a young and skilled workforce, and a clear vision for industrial transformation. She further added, “Indian companies are well-positioned to tap into high-potential sectors such as electronics, digital services, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. We welcome Indian investors to be part of our growth story as we transform shared aspirations into real opportunities—creating jobs, driving innovation, and building resilient industries for the future,” she added.
Mr Vijay Sankar, Vice President, FICCI & Chairman, The Sanmar Group, said, “President Marcos Jr.’s visit marks a pivotal moment in the deepening of India-Philippines relations. His visionary leadership, coupled with the Philippines’ robust economic outlook and openness to investment, presents significant opportunities for collaboration. As two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, our complementary strengths—in technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and services—form a strong foundation for a future-ready partnership. FICCI is committed to facilitating high-impact collaborations, including a joint working group on trade and investment.”
Before the President’s address, leading Indian industry leaders from Infosys BPM, TCS Philippines, and iSON Tower Ltd. shared their future plans, signalling strong private-sector engagement on both sides.
Mr Mahesh Mirpuri, President, FICCI Philippines emphasised that Under President Marcos’s visionary leadership, the Philippines has emerged as a beacon for foreign investment—driven by clear policy, digital transformation, and a truly welcoming business environment. “With India’s strengths in technology and scale, and the Philippines’ talent, agility, and creativity, our two nations are natural partners in innovation. I urge Indian businesses to explore the Philippines—not just as an ASEAN gateway, but as a dynamic, responsive, and rewarding market ready for long-term collaboration,” he added.
Mr Ruben Pascual, Secretary General, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “The Philippines is on the brink of transformative growth, and India stands ready to partner in this journey. By aligning strengths in semiconductors, EVs, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, and innovation, we can unlock high-impact collaborations. A clear roadmap and high-level working groups will be key to turning shared ambition into tangible outcomes for both nations.”
Mr Siddhartha Agarwal, Chairman, FICCI Karnataka State Council & President, Bhoruka Park Pvt Ltd also addressed the forum highlighting the promising opportunities for Indo-Philippine collaboration in innovation, digital transformation, and green industries.
The forum, with over 150 attendees, also witnessed the presentation of strategic business agreements, reinforcing commitments to long-term collaboration in technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic zone development.
DavaNinja’ presents healthcare that’s accessible, quick & more human’ to larger audience
DavaNinja, India’s homegrown quick-commerce medicine delivery platform, has recently launched a fun campaign featuring actress Avantika Dassani and DavaNinja’s co-founder, Udai Chopra. The campaign, titled Game. Set. Meds brings a sassy, Bollywood twist-laden short video underscoring unforeseen daily health emergencies, emphasizing DavaNinja’s dedicated approach to delivering 100% of the ordered medicines in under 60 minutes.
The video presents Avantika and Udai mid-game in a slow-motion pickleball match that’s equal parts competitive and cinematic. In the heat of the game, during some stress, Avantika accidentally twists her ankle and, dramatically, wonders how she’ll recover. Udai, unfazed, quickly reminds her that there’s no need to panic as DavaNinja delivers medicines in real time. The film playfully showcases how life’s interruptions, big or small, can be tackled easily with reliable, fast healthcare support.
Speaking about the campaign, Udai Chopra, Co-founder & CMO of DavaNinja, said, “Through the playful campaign we at DavaNinja aimed to present to the larger audience healthcare that is accessible, quick, and a little more human. Whether you’re on the court or just off your game, your health remains a priority. DavaNinja ensures that essential medicines reach you in under 60 minutes.”
Actress Avantika Dassani added, “DavaNinja is a much-needed service for the convenience of the public. Innovation in healthcare is the need of the hour. Initiatives like DavaNinja provide timely, accessible medicine while also promoting local businesses. Everybody wins! And I’m happy to partner and endorse DavaNinja”
DavaNinja is India’s foremost hyperlocal medicine delivery platform that brings branded/ generic medicines to the consumer’s doorstep in under an hour. Currently available in Mumbai, the service integrates leading local chemists that are licensed and backed by trained pharmacists and deliver medicines through their logistics fleet. As part of the services, DavaNinja offers a wide range of medicines across categories SKUs and real-time tracking through the DavaNinja app. Be it a sudden fever, a sprained ankle, or chronic care support for conditions like heart disease and diabetes, DavaNinja simplifies ordering medicines like never earlier.