Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on 21 December said that India is rendering yeoman service in developing countries by providing access to life-saving medicines at affordable prices.

Addressing the 70th edition of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, the Vice President said, rural health programmes, lifesaving drugs and preventive vaccines should also receive attention from policymakers and pharma companies alike.

He said speedy introduction of generic drugs into the market should remain in focus. The Vice President expressed happiness that the pharma sector is out-performing most other sectors in achieving consistently high growth.

The pharmaceutical industry is deliberating on various issues related to generic drugs and medical devices at the event in Noida, from December 21-23. IPC 2018 will see 125 speakers and organisers expect around 6,000 delegates this year from all the sections of the pharma fraternity from India as well as abroad.