From affordable drugs in HIV to enabling one of world’s largest portfolio of drugs and devices in inhalation therapy, his pioneering work of close to 60 years and the immense contribution to healthcare have been celebrated around the world.

Dr Hamied envisioned bringing a holistic approach towards palliative care in India and in 1997, he set up the Cipla Palliative Care centre in Pune. Built on the bedrock of caring for patients, the centre has grown into a leading palliative care facility having addressed the needs of over 22,500 patients and their families.

In September 2000, Dr Y K Hamied made a historic speech at the European Commission, Brussels and highlighted the need for affordable treatment for HIV & AIDS. In February 2001, he made the historic dollar-a-day offer to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) making this life-saving therapy accessible to all.

Dr. Y K Hamied’s leadership led Cipla to focus on API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) manufacture in the 1960s.

Cipla received USFDA approval for its facilities in 1985, making it among the first Indian pharmaceutical companies to achieve this distinction.

Cipla was instrumental in the formation of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association and Dr Y K Hamied was a key player in the passage of the 1970 Patents Act which was considered as ‘the dawn of a golden age for the indigenous pharma industry’.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr Y K Hamied has dedicated his life to the belief that none should be denied affordable medication.

Dr K A Hamied was a visionary scientist and a pharma pioneer who left behind a powerful legacy of care. His vision continues to serve as Cipla’s guiding principle even today.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Christ College, University of Cambridge under the tutelage of Sir Alexander Todd, Dr Y K Hamied joined Cipla as and R & D officer in the 1960s.

The Cipla story began in 1935, in this very bungalow at Bombay Central, with Dr K A Hamied’s vision of making essential medicines accessible to all. With great fervour and a vision for self-sufficiency for Independent India, Chemical Industrial Pharmaceutical Laboratories began its operations.