The Indian healthcare industry is poised to double from $60 billion to $120 billion by 2015, growing at a 15 per cent CAGR. In fact, By 2021, over 143 million people will be above 60 years of age, close to 16 million households will fall in the category of high-income, and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer will show a combined average decadal growth of 47 per cent. Such factors have caught the interest and attention of investors, big and small especially because public spend in the sector is likely to be limited to 20 per cent of the annual healthcare spend and most of the expansion would be propelled by the private sector, including those in the U.S.-India Business Council.

The Life Sciences Executive Committee influences and advances policy and regulatory regimes by promoting best practices and market-based solutions to positively impact life sciences companies in both India and the United States. It formulates an annual work plan and leverages key platforms like the U.S.-India Health Dialogue, the U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, the Trade Policy Forum, and the High Technology Corporation Group. It also leads industry trade missions to India to directly advocate for policy reforms and develop platforms for members to interact with business leaders and government officials.

Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Health care Providers

The Government of India is in the process of developing regulatory schemes to ensure security for network elements and safety for Indian consumers. Member companies actively engage with the Government of India to advocate for globally recognized standards and mutual recognition of testing facilities worldwide.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Secure IP protections, consistently enforced, are aligned with the Government of India’s goals of bringing growth to India through research, innovation, and manufacturing. There is a strong, positive, and well-recognized correlation between foreign direct investment inflows and reliable IP regimes. The Council will continue to urge government officials to reassure investors that India values innovation and the protection of IP.

Pricing and Reimbursement

The Council encouraged the Government of India to consult with all relevant stakeholders, including industry, in advance of decisions affecting the pricing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Healthcare Spending and Infrastructure

The Committee has supported the Government of India in its efforts to increase access to health care by setting a goal of 2.5% of GDP toward health care in the 2015-16 fiscal year. India continues to increase the number of hospital beds, doctors, and nurses but the need for increased capacity exists.

Andhra Pradesh, New Delhi

Led an executive-level delegation of pharmaceutical companies to meet with the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments to discuss investment opportunities, as well as conducted meetings with relevant central government officials in New Delhi to address core policy concerns.

Gujarat

The Committee assisted a U.S. company on receiving required approvals to expedite the opening of its manufacturing plant in the state. USIBC also led an executive medical device delegation to Gujarat to discuss increased access to healthcare and manufacturing in India.

Government Relations

Coordinated regular meetings with the Indian Embassy and U.S. Government stakeholders on both company-specic and industry-wide issues to raise awareness and understanding.

Amy Hariani currently serves as Vice President & Legal Policy Counsel at the U.S.-India Business Council at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role she assists companies in understanding government policies and international economic laws impacting their business. She works with companies to develop unconventional solutions to policy issues. Hariani advocates to U.S. federal agencies and members of Congress to address and remedy market access barriers. She also regularly works with the Government of India and advises various ministries on impediments to investment and trade.

Prior to joining USIBC, Hariani was an associate at the law firm of King & Spalding LLP. Hariani focused her practice on international trade litigation and market access issues by providing strategic, legal, and policy advice to domestic and foreign clients. She developed and led the international trade group’s work in India. Previously, Hariani led the Asia portfolio as an international trade counselor at a government relations firm in Washington, D.C.

A native of Minnesota, Hariani received her Juris Doctor from American University, Washington College of Law. She received her bachelor’s in political science and philosophy from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Hariani has knowledge of Hindi and Spanish and serves on the Boards of Pratham, DC and Indo-U.S. Brain Trust.
For more information, please contact Amy Hariani.