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 The Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. T. S. Parmar (popularly known as Tony Parmar) as its new Secretary General.
Dr. Parmar succeeds Daara Patel, whose tenure concludes this June as he prepares to relocate and settle abroad. This transition marks a significant leadership change for the apex body, which represents the interests of pharmaceutical manufacturers across India.
Dr. Parmar enters the role with over 33 years of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held high-level executive positions, including MD and CEO, President, and COO. His most recent professional chapter was serving as the MD and CEO of Albert David Limited, following successful stints at major organizations such as Zydus Cadila, Eli Lilly India, and Jubilant Life Sciences.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Dr. Parmar is highly regarded for his academic and strategic background. He holds a PhD in Healthcare Strategy, supplemented by qualifications in marketing, journalism, and life sciences. His expertise spans business turnarounds, greenfield operations, and specialized therapy segments like oncology and cardiology. IDMA’s national president, Bharat Shah, said that Dr. Parmar’s vast professional network will be instrumental in strengthening the association’s future initiatives.
The appointment comes at a time when IDMA continues to solidify its reputation as the ‘Voice of the National Sector’. Established in 1961, the association comprises over 1,000 members, ranging from small-scale manufacturers to large pharmaceutical giants. Under the current leadership of national president Bharat Shah, who is also the Managing Director of S. Kant Healthcare Ltd, the IDMA operates through eight state boards to maintain a truly national reach.
IDMA serves as a critical bridge between the industry and the government of India, advising on regulatory affairs, pricing, and policy matters. The association is deeply involved in quality excellence, having partnered with the Department of Pharmaceuticals for GMP workshops and collaborated with NSF Health Sciences, UK, for advanced quality management programs. It also maintains a close relationship with the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to ensure the efficacy of Indian-made medicines.
In addition to its technical and regulatory work, the association is an active contributor to national social initiatives. IDMA was the first recipient of the ‘Indian Pharma Swachhta Champion Award’ for its efforts in the Swachh Bharat Mission. Through its annual Pharmaceutical Analyst Conventions and ongoing training programs, the IDMA remains dedicated to helping the Indian pharmaceutical industry meet global compliance standards and maintain its position as a global leader.
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