ONE DAY NATIONAL SEMINAR ON UNDERSTANDING RARE DISEASE AND HEALTHCARE REGULATION IN INDIA

The One Day National Seminar on “Understanding Rare Disease Policy and Healthcare Regulations in India” was organized by Ms. Swathi G, Research Scholar on 28.2.26 in Saveetha School of Law. There were 190 enthusiastic participants including students, researchers, academicians, and healthcare law enthusiasts, reflecting the increasing academic and social concern toward rare disease policy and regulatory frameworks in India.

The seminar was graced by eminent experts from diverse professional backgrounds who enriched the discussions with their valuable insights. Mrs. Rohini Sri Arivazhagan, Founder and Strategy Lead of Le Intelligensia IPR Law Firm and a Patent Lawyer, delivered a thought-provoking address on intellectual property rights, patent regulations, and their impact on accessibility and innovation in rare disease treatments. Ms. Archana Rajavel, Multidisciplinary Research Professional and Founder of Parinami Foundation, a non-profit organization for rare disease patients, provided a humanitarian and policy-oriented perspective, emphasizing patient advocacy, support systems, and the practical challenges faced by families affected by rare diseases.

Adding to the academic and clinical dimensions, Dr. Vijaybabu Kaliappan, Associate Dean of Research and Academic Excellence at Zydus Medical College and Hospital and a Pharmacologist, highlighted the medical, research, and regulatory challenges involved in drug development, clinical trials, and approval processes for rare diseases in India. The speakers collectively emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare regulations, ensuring equitable access to treatment, promoting research incentives, and building a patient-centric policy framework under the Indian legal system.

The seminar was organized under the esteemed patronage of Prof. Dr. Asha Sundaram, Principal & Research Supervisor, Saveetha School of Law, who served as the Patron of the programme. The event was convened by Dr. Jeyaprabha, Associate Professor & Co-Research Supervisor, Saveetha School of Law, and co-convened by Dr. Thangamayan, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Research & Development, Saveetha School of Law. The smooth conduct and academic success of the seminar were ensured through the dedicated efforts of the Faculty Coordinators — Mrs. Gowri Manogari, Ms. Manomani, and Mr. Arun Kumar, Assistant Professors, Saveetha School of Law — whose collective coordination and commitment contributed significantly to the effective organization of the programme.Their dedicated efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the program and meaningful academic engagement throughout the sessions.

The event served as a significant academic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on healthcare law, regulatory governance, intellectual property rights, and patient advocacy in the context of rare diseases. The seminar reinforced the collective commitment of legal and medical professionals toward improving policy implementation, safeguarding patient rights, and promoting inclusive healthcare reforms in India.