Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
THE chief executive of India Business Group (IBG), Amarjit Singh, has joined the international advisory board of QS IGAUGE, world leader in education rankings, ratings, and analytics services.
A subsidiary of UK based QS Quacquarelli Symonds, QS IGAUGE rates universities, colleges, and schools in India to promote international excellence, a statement said.
“QS IGAUGE is the epitome of setting high standards in education, and it is an honour to be invited to join its advisory board. The world-wide pandemic has limited global movement, and that will continue for some years to come. It is a big opportunity for anyone who is willing to grasp it," said Singh, a lawyer, and recognised thought-leader on India-UK business.
"For UK universities, this is an opportunity to maximise links. They can teach in India, and the world class universities will offer exchange programmes between Indian and British students.”
Currently, 18 UK universities are ranked in the top 100 of QS World University Rankings, among them is the University of Southampton where Singh is a special adviser for India.
His appointment comes just four weeks after the UK government published its international education strategy to promote global educational links.
The scheme will be backed by over £100 million, providing funding for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges and schools to go on placements overseas, starting in September 2021.
“We are delighted that Amarjit has accepted our invitation to join our board of advisers,” said Dr Ashwin Fernandes, CEO, and director of QS IGAUGE.
"As an organisation contributing to the knowledge space in India, we have ambitious plans to engage with higher education institutions and students with some key initiatives in collaboration with Amarjit."
IBG specialises in helping organisations develop bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the UK, EU and India markets.
UK life sciences sector contributed £17.6bn GVA in 2021 and supports 126,000 high-skilled jobs.
Inward life sciences FDI fell by 58 per cent from £1,897m in 2021 to £795m in 2023.
Experts warn NHS underinvestment and NICE pricing rules are deterring innovation and patient access.
Investment gap
Britain is seeking to attract new pharmaceutical investment as part of its plan to strengthen the life sciences sector, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said during meetings in Washington this week. “We do need to make sure that we are an attractive place for pharmaceuticals, and that includes on pricing, but in return for that, we want to see more investment flow to Britain,” Reeves told reporters.
Recent ABPI report, ‘Creating the conditions for investment and growth’, The UK’s pharmaceutical industry is integral to both the country’s health and growth missions, contributing £17.6 billion in direct gross value added (GVA) annually and supporting 126,000 high-skilled jobs across the nation. It also invests more in research and development (R&D) than any other sector. Yet inward life sciences foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 58per cent, from £1,897 million in 2021 to £795 million in 2023, while pharmaceutical R&D investment in the UK lagged behind global growth trends, costing an estimated £1.3 billion in lost investment in 2023 alone.
Richard Torbett, ABPI Chief Executive, noted “The UK can lead globally in medicines and vaccines, unlocking billions in R&D investment and improving patient access but only if barriers are removed and innovation rewarded.”
The UK invests just 9% of healthcare spending in medicines, compared with 17% in Spain, and only 37% of new medicines are made fully available for their licensed indications, compared to 90% in Germany.
Expert reviews
Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of Pharmacy Business, pointed that “The government’s own review shows the sector is underfunded by about £2 billion per year. To make transformation a reality, this gap must be closed with clear plans for investment in people, premises and technology.”
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) cost-effectiveness threshold £20,000 to £30,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) — has remained unchanged for over two decades, delaying or deterring new medicine launches. Raising it is viewed as vital to attracting foreign investment, expanding patient access, and maintaining the UK’s global standing in life sciences.
Guy Oliver, General Manager for Bristol Myers Squibb UK and Ireland, noted that " the current VPAG rate is leaving UK patients behind other countries, forcing cuts to NHS partnerships, clinical trials, and workforce despite government growth ambitions".
Reeves’ push for reform, supported by the ABPI’s Competitiveness Framework, underlines Britain’s intent to stay a leading hub for pharmaceutical innovation while ensuring NHS patients will gain faster access to new treatments.
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