Counterfeit drugs, major problem of pharma sector: Dr Kalam

Pune, Dec 16 (UNI) ''One of the biggest problems faced by the global pharmaceutical sector is Counterfeit drugs,'' stated Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India, here today.

Dr Kalam said this while speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the Bilcare Centre of Excellence. The inauguration was done by Dr Kalam and Dr John L LaMattina (Senior Vice President, Pfizer Inc and President, Pfizer Global Research&Development).

The Global Research Centre of Excellence will have dedicated R&D sections for Packaging Research, Material Research, Analytical Research, Drug Sensitivity Studies and Package Design, Dr Kalam said.

Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India Dr R Chidambaram also inaugurated Flaxo Printing machine simultaneously on the occasion.

Speaking on this occassion, Bilcare Chairman and Managing Director Mohan Bhandari said, ''Bilcare is emerging fast as a knowledge company with unique research capabilities to address critical challenges of the global pharmaceutical Industry. I am delighted that now we are in a position to offer complete solution on counterfeit drugs and ensure a better healthcare for tomorrow.'' UNI