PharmaState.Academy organized a ‘Masterclass for International Pharmaceutical Marketing’ enthusiasts on January 28, 2024. The workshop, led by Educator Shailesh KAPADIA, CCPE®, prompted insightful discussions on career-related aspects within the field. Essential skills and requirements for a career in international pharmaceutical marketing were highlighted, alongside a comparison of the Indian and other pharmaceutical markets.

Mr. Shailesh Kapadia spearheaded the discussion on international pharmaceutical marketing, underlining the importance of clear information regarding career prospects in this field. With over 18 years of experience, Mr. Kapadia shared insights into various international business models and strategies for marketing generic and branded drugs. The session concluded with a Q&A segment where the necessary skills for a career in international pharmaceutical marketing were underscored.

Indian and Canadian Pharmaceutical Markets Discussed:

Mr. Kapadia elucidated the distinctions between the Indian and Canadian pharmaceutical markets, highlighting challenges in meeting with doctors and the existence of an over-the-counter market in Canada. Discussions also covered the hierarchy in international marketing, expected packages, responsibilities, and territories of medical representatives and country managers. The advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career in international pharmaceutical marketing were examined, with Mr. Kapadia emphasizing that the salary for brand managers working from India to other countries is subjective and contingent on various factors.

Insights into the African Market:

Mr. Kapadia shared insights and potential challenges of the African market, advising participants to leverage platforms like LinkedIn’s professional groups and export-import data for more information. He pointed out incentives for local manufacturers in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Significance of the Indian Pharmaceutical Market:

Discussing the Indian pharmaceutical market, Mr. Kapadia noted India’s status as the world’s largest exporter of generic medicines and third in terms of pharmaceutical production. He highlighted potential opportunities due to the low cost of skilled labor, expanding market size, and increasing global demand for generic drugs.

Key Requirements and Challenges:

Mr. Kapadia emphasized that individuals with domestic market experience have an advantage in securing higher positions in international marketing. Various models of international pharmaceutical marketing and industry challenges, including price control and quality issues, were explored. Key requirements for roles like country manager or international business manager were outlined, emphasizing cross-cultural understanding, adaptive thinking, leadership skills, analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a positive attitude toward relocation. Mr. Kapadia concluded by noting that companies are increasingly stringent in their selection process due to the investment involved.

Resources and Job Opportunities:

Suggested books and digital publications were recommended by Mr. Kapadia, highlighting the value of digital resources for concise and timely updates. The scope of homeopathic and herbal medicines in the international market was discussed, emphasizing the Indian government’s promotion of natural health products and their increasing use in developed markets.

Negotiation and Job Offer Considerations:

Mr. Kapadia stressed the importance of understanding the benefits accompanying a job offer, such as housing, transportation allowance, child education fees, and security. He highlighted the necessity of clarifying these aspects before finalizing a job commitment and being aware of the tax structure in different countries.

Job Opportunities in International Markets:

Insights on job opportunities in international markets were shared, with Mr. Kapadia emphasizing the importance of networking, referrals, job portals, and attending conferences. The session concluded with

Dr. Swati Sinha, moderating the masterclass, expressed gratitude to Mr. Kapadia and the participants for joining in and discussing this crucial topic for international pharma marketing enthusiasts.