The Human Side of Pharma: PEOPLE POWER BEHIND THE PAIN RELIEF PILLS
Pills are a lifeline for patients in need of recovery. Photo SHAMLAL PURI
By Manish Kumar
When you go to a surgery with an ailment, the doctor prescribes medicine to help with your recovery. You take that prescription to a pharmacy and take the strip of tablets home. You swallow the prescribed pill with water and wait for it to start its work,
Have you thought of the people behind these pills? The hard work they have put in to ensure these pills reach the end user, helping people like us to recover and bounce back to good health.
In the world of the multi-billion-dollar global pharma industry, where molecules, trials, and regulations dominate headlines, it’s easy to forget the role of the people who power the industry.
From field teams in remote towns to scientists in labs and HR teams shaping careers — the human engine behind the pharmaceutical strength is what truly drives change. Without their sterling contribution, the wheel of the pharma industry would hardly move,
This piece aims to shed light on the people-centric side of pharma that deserves just as much attention as the products themselves.
Why the title – “People Before Pills”? Because behind every pill produced, prescribed, or promoted, there is a person — a Medical Rep, a Researcher, a Plant worker, or a Patient. The pharma industry is not just science-driven; it’s people-led. Recognising that is crucial for sustainable growth.
What is unique about talent in the Indian pharmaceutical sector? Indian pharma professionals are agile, hardworking, and extremely resilient. Whether it’s adapting to regulatory shifts, digital transformation, or pandemic challenges, this workforce has consistently stepped up. They are the silent warriors behind our global pharma dominance.
As an HR leader, what do you believe is the biggest challenge? Retaining top talent while also nurturing ground-level teams. Many employees come from tier-2 and tier-3 cities and work under demanding conditions. Creating a culture that values empathy, learning, and well-being is essential — beyond just targets.
What kind of on-ground challenges do field teams face? A lot, actually. From long waits to meet doctors, restrictions in hospital access, pressure to meet targets, to working in extreme weather — these professionals often operate under intense conditions. Yet they remain among the most disciplined and dedicated workforces in the corporate world.
What shift do you hope to see in the industry? A shift from “Performance-Only” to “People-First” thinking. The future of Indian pharma depends not just on the next drug, but on how we attract, support, and grow the people who make those discoveries and bring them to life.
Manish Kumar is the HR Head, Canixa Life Sciences, a leading Dermatology-focused Pharmaceutical Company in Noida, India.
Editing: Shamlal Puri, Senior Editor, London
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