The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), which represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies, has appointed Mr Vivek Sehgal as its new Director General. Mr Vivek Sehgal takes over from Mr KG Ananthakrishnan who has been with OPPI since 2020.

Vivek has close to three decades of cross-sectoral experience on policy issues with central/state governments, regulators, and other key stakeholders. In his most recent role, he was the Assistant Secretary-General, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry where he handled varied sectors including – Health, AYUSH, Defense and Homeland Security, Capital and Commodity Markets, Corporate Affairs, and Direct Selling. His work on policy advocacy in sectors like health, AYUSH, IT, and defense has been significantly successful in their acceptance by the concerned ministries.

Commenting on the development, Mr S Sridhar (President OPPI) said, “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr KG Ananthakrishnan, under whose leadership, we were able to strengthen OPPI’s position as an association that is committed to meeting patients’ healthcare needs. Under his able guidance, OPPI continued to make an impact in both policy and patient advocacy even during the most trying times that the healthcare industry has witnessed in decades. In fact, our collaboration with the Government and various stakeholders to ensure medicines were available across the country, paved way for a stronger partnership with various stakeholders. OPPI has led several critical patient-centred initiatives and has transformed into an agile, dynamic and responsive organization that is committed to positively impact patients with improving access to innovative medicines. The OPPI family thanks him for his committed service and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.

As OPPI continues its journey to partner with the Government keeping patient-centricity at its core decision making; we now welcome Mr Vivek Sehgal on-board as the OPPI Director-General. Vivek comes with a rich, deep, and diverse background. His experience has been in shaping policy issues with central/state governments, regulators and other key stakeholders and positioning the Chamber in international bodies like World Bank, WHO SEARO, and WHO India. I am confident that under his able leadership and detailed subject matter knowledge, OPPI will be able to achieve many more milestones.”

Mr KG Ananthakrishnan added, “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Executive Committee of OPPI for their valuable suggestions and support. It is my pleasure to welcome Mr Vivek Sehgal who takes over from me as the Director General of OPPI. Vivek brings over three decades of rich experience across sectors, including Health, and I wish him all the very best.”

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Vivek Sehgal said, “I am delighted to be a part of the OPPI family and look forward to the opportunity to making a difference in patients’ lives. In my new role, I will work towards building OPPI’s commitment towards fostering continuous research and development and enabling healthcare access for all. OPPI will continue to drive policy and advocacy discussions with the Government and endeavor to work together with various stakeholders together on industry-related issues, to implement sustainable and patient centric solutions.”