Pune, Dec 8, 2008 : After a long illness, Dr Suresh Jadhav, an eminent scientist and Executive Director of Serum Institute of India(SII), died late Tuesday night at a private hospital. He was 72 years old and is survived his wife and two sons.
Adar Poonawalla, SII CEO, and Dr Soumya Swminathan (WHO Chief Scientist), both mourned Jadhav’s passing.
Poonawalla stated that the Indian vaccine industry lost a guiding star with Dr Suresh Jadhav’s passing.
Dr Jadhav was instrumental to the establishment of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturer Network (DCVMN).He represented the SII on GAVI’s board and was also an integral part of the liaison between national and international regulatory authorities.
He was instrumental in obtaining WHO pre-qualifications for several products,” he stated.
Dr Swaminathan stated: “Very sad news.Outstanding lifetime contributions to vaccine research with huge impact on lives saved
Born in a small village of eastern Maharashtra in Dr Jadhav, he graduated in Pharmacy from Nagpur University.He began his career in 1970 with a research fellowship at the CSIR.
After several years of academic work at Nagpur University’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and University of Mumbai, SNDT Women’s University, Haffkine Institute and SNDT Women’s University, he joined SII in 1979.He was made the ED in 1992.
Dr Jadhav was ranked No 7 in the World’s 50 Most Influential Persons in Vaccine according to Vaccination of Terrapinn.He held 2 patents.
He was instrumental in securing WHO accreditation of vaccines produced at the SII.The SII is now ranked as the world’s leader in vaccine supply to more than 140 countries.
Dr Jadhav’s technical expertise covered many quality control techniques and drug pricing.He served as an Expert and Temporary advisor to WHO several times for its vaccine policies and programmes, new vaccines, and developing new reference standards.
His vast experience enabled him to lead the DCVMN as President (2004-2008).He was also on its Steering Committee from its inception in 2000.
He also served on boards of several international vaccine bodies.
He traveled the world, giving lectures and attending scientific seminars and conferences.
He also published more than 60 scientific research papers.He was also a member of several Indian and international academic institutions or universities.
He was awarded many honours and awards around the globe.
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