British biopharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) marked a significant milestone, completing hundred years of operations in India.
The journey of GSK in India has been marked by groundbreaking innovations, from producing the antibiotic penicillin to developing Augmentin and pioneering pediatric vaccines.
The company’s recent launch of the shingles vaccine further underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.
Success Amidst Challenges
Bhushan Akshikar, Managing Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd, highlighted that the company’s century-long success is no accident.
Akshikar emphasized that GSK’s resilience and strategic foresight had enabled it to navigate challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, including issues related to patents and drug pricing.
This journey has not been without its hurdles, but the company has consistently weathered them with perseverance.
Pillars of GSK’s Journey
Akshikar acknowledged that GSK’s enduring success lies in its ability to reinvent itself and demonstrate resilience.
From its early association with infant formula and the Glaxo Baby to producing penicillin in India, the company has consistently adapted to the changing healthcare landscape.
Akshikar also noted that the leadership’s long-term vision has been crucial in overcoming challenges, especially those related to patent issues and pricing concerns – issues that are once again prominent today, just as they were in the 1970s.
Adapting to Change
GSK continues to look for ways to evolve, with a strong focus on adopting advanced technology and exploring new opportunities. With a presence in nineteen global clinical trials, GSK’s footprint in India and abroad continues to expand.
Vision for the Future
As global multinationals eye the Indian market, GSK to focus on unmet healthcare needs, particularly in the context of an ageing population.
With healthcare expected to remain a core priority for the country, GSK’s continued success will depend on its ability to address evolving challenges. It must also seize opportunities in the Indian healthcare ecosystem.
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, GSK’s centennial celebration reflects its past achievements. It also reaffirms the company’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in India and beyond.
