The Pharma Leadership and Innovation Conclave 2025 hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘The Patient of the Future: Shaping Pharma’s Next Big Opportunity’. It focused on how the pharma industry must evolve in response to shifting patient expectations and advancements in healthcare.
Moderated by Viveka Roychowdhury, Editor, Express Pharma, the panel brought together key industry experts. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA); Anil Matai, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI); Daara Patel, Secretary General, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA); Chakravarthi AVPS, Sr VP (National) & Chairman (TG & AP), FOPE South and Pramod John George, Joint Secretary & Trustee, Friends of Max, Mumbai.
The discussion highlighted the transformation of patients from passive recipients of care to informed, engaged, and empowered stakeholders in their health. The discussion highlighted that this shift presents a significant opportunity for pharma companies to rethink their strategies, not just in drug development but in overall patient engagement.
Panelists emphasised the need for pharma companies to set up and support more programmes to expand access to essential medicines. Public-private collaborations and policy-driven initiatives were identified as crucial for ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments.
The discussion also addressed the need for incentivising innovation to drive more investment in R&D. The panelists stressed that while regulatory frameworks must ensure patient safety, they should also encourage innovation and breakthrough therapies.
A key takeaway from the discussion was that the future of healthcare is not just about selling medicines but about providing integrated healthcare solutions. The panelists highlighted five crucial elements for holistic healthcare: Drugs, Diagnosis, Devices, Delivery and Digital. These pillars represent a shift towards a patient-centric, technology-driven ecosystem to enhance patient outcomes.
The panel underscored that only companies that proactively embrace technological advancements will be able to deliver on the promise of integrated healthcare. The convergence of pharma, diagnostics, and digital technology will drive value-based care.
The discussion reinforced that patient empowerment, sustainable innovation, and a holistic approach to healthcare will define the future of the pharma industry. Companies that focus on value-based care, digital transformation, and access-driven strategies will lead the next phase of growth.