THE MAGIC OF POPULAR MEDICINE
Certain players remain as visionary as they are useful to the populace, with just as much research and development devoted to helping patients as turning a profit.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Guna Muppuri is a medical doctor and the principal founder and CEO of Indies Pharma Jamaica Limited. He is also a well-established and successful entrepreneur in diversified industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and healthcare to medical education. He is also the founder of Bioprist Pharmaceuticals North America and Bioprist Las Americas Limited. Dr. Muppuri will embrace additional responsibility as the President of the upcoming Bioprist Institute of Health and Medical Sciences and Bioprist Knowledge Parks.How would describe the company's main achievements so far?
Our entrepreneurial journey, which commenced in 2005 in an unpredictable and a small economy, has been a rollercoaster ride. Yet, our calculated risk-taking strategic approach in a challenging economy made us survive and emerge as a market winner. Today, we are a force to be reckoned with due to our diversified approach that caters to patients across Jamaica with a product line spanning 27 therapeutic segments. Our presence on the stock exchange and the demand that it is creating on the exchange speaks volumes about our achievements.
How are you ensuring investor confidence?
Our core product line and business model has led to an aggressive brand equity development along with creating a new market for our niche product line. A market that is created and owned by us gives our investors' confidence, which is further strengthened by our guaranteed delivery of stable and positive results, unless there is a radical phenomenon that is due to reasons beyond our control.
How is Indies Pharma developing the healthcare sector, and what can be done to improve it?
Since its formation, Indies Pharma has played a pivotal role in subsidizing the cost of drugs for peple suffering from chronic illnesses by partnering with the National Health Fund. In addition to that, almost a decade ago, our strategies implemented in the past have spread awareness regarding the availability of certain drugs in high demand. Moreover, the patent issues associated with them have also been positively impacted, allowing the National Health Fund's budget to save in excess of JMD300 million per annum. The long-term benefits of the above-mentioned initiatives for patients has turned out to be priceless. Moving forward, the country needs serious health care reforms that can boost the healthcare sector's strength and make it self-sustainable on a long-term basis.
How do you asses Jamaica's vision for becoming a regional leader in the health and wellness sector, and what is Indies Pharma's role in fulfilling this?
Jamaica needs serious health care reform to become a regional leader. Most importantly, unless the country passes an attractive legislation to invite medical tourism opportunities and upgrade its public health centers and hospitals, it will not bear fruit. To this end, in 2008, Indies Pharma volunteered to make recommendations and reforms that should be implemented to achieve set targets, but we were disappointed that there have been no takers to date.
THE MAGIC OF POPULAR MEDICINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Michael Lee-Chin, Founder and Chairman, Portland Holdings, Chairman, Economic Growth Council, Chairman, National Commercial Bank (NCB)
Portland Holdings manages public and private equity and strives to build strong businesses that support the well-being of the communities in which they operate.
read articleCommuniqué
A Legal Introduction to Jamaica’s SEZ Regime
A special economic zone (SEZ) is as a geographical demarcated area within a country's national borders that is governed by trade and business laws that are distinct from the laws of the rest of that country. The objective of an SEZ is usually to attract investment to a nation's shores, and thereby increase employment and economic growth.
read articleInterview
Daryl Vaz, Minister with responsibility for Land, the Environment, Climate Change, and Investment, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is working hard to ensure Jamaica's growth doesn't come at the expense of its environment.
read articleFocus: Brain drain
Holding on to the Best
Given its close proximity to North America's economic powerhouses and its warm relationship with its former colonial power, Jamaica's best and brightest have long decamped for more developed shores. The government is now fighting to encourage them to stay at home.
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