Ahalia School of Management as a part of World Fair Trade Day celebrations, organised a panel discussion on the theme Fair trade Practices in the Healthcare Industry on 14.05.2025 @ ASM Seminar Hall. The program started at 11.00 a.m with a welcome address by Ms. Fathima Rinsha (I MBA- HCM student) and followed by an introductory talk by Principal & Director, Prof. (Dr.) B. Vijayachandran Pillai, highlighting the urgent need for transparency, ethics and equitable access to medical products and services. Dr. Aashna Sidhic, Assistant Professor shared the importance of fair trade in the healthcare sector and the ethical concerns around pharmaceutical pricing, medical supply chains and healthcare access.

Students were divided into two teams and were encouraged to debate and propose solutions for unfair/unhealthy practices. The topics given for the panel discussion were:

1. Should Essential medicines exempt from Profit-driven Policies?

(Moderator: Dr Vishmaya K R, Faculty)

2.       Fair wages for health workers vs affordability of care- can both co-exist?

(Moderator: Mr Ajith Sankar,Faculty)

The affirmative side argued that initiatives like generic medicine promotion, WHO pricing strategies and increased transparency reflect progress. The opposing side highlighted persistent inequalities, excessive pricing by pharmaceutical giants and lack of healthcare access in low-income nations.

 The World Fair Trade Day celebrations brought much-needed attention to ethical issues in the healthcare sector. Through thought-provoking debates and discussions, participants emphasized that healthcare should not be driven solely by profit, but by the principles of fairness, accessibility and humanity. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Ms.Vishnupriya (I MBA – HCM student) at 1.00.p.m.