Call for Papers: International Conference on A Critical Study of Orphan Drug Development in India Through the Lens of Public Choice Theory [Hybrid, Chennai, 24 October 2026]
Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai.About the conference
Saveetha School of Law (SSL), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), is organising an International Conference on “A Critical Study of Orphan Drug Development in India Through the Lens of Public Choice Theory” on 24 October 2026, in offline and online mode, at the New Moot Court Hall, Saveetha School of Law. The brochure's own “About the Conference” section describes it as a one-day national conference.
The conference examines India's legal, regulatory, economic and policy framework for rare diseases and orphan drugs. Through the lens of Public Choice Theory, it explores how political incentives, institutional interests, regulatory mechanisms, lobbying, rent-seeking and market failures influence pharmaceutical development and healthcare regulation, bringing together legal, economic, healthcare, pharmaceutical and policy perspectives on innovation, regulation and equitable access to orphan medicines.
Organising committee and guest speakers
- Chief Patron: Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan, Founder and Chancellor, SIMATS
- Patron: Prof. Dr. Asha Sundaram, Principal, Saveetha School of Law
- Convenors: Dr. B. Lavaraju and Dr. S. Thangamayan, Associate Professors, Saveetha School of Law
- Research Scholar: Mrs. Monisha M., Ph.D. Research Scholar, Saveetha School of Law
- Student Coordinators: S.M.R. Aadhithya, H. Sakthi Vadivelan and S. Raj Nivas
Guest speakers listed in the brochure: Prof. Christine Richardson, Professor of Law, Jagannath University, Bangladesh; Prof. (Dr.) Balaji Singh, Professor of Forensic Medicine, ACS Medical College and Hospital; Prof. Rajiv Bhalla, University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Chandigarh University; Dr. Arokia Sushma, School of Excellence (SOEL), Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University.
Sub-themes
- National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD): critical appraisal of policy incentives, public funding mechanisms and implementation gaps
- Public Choice and Regulatory Economics: interest group dynamics, legislative priorities and the political economy of pharmaceutical regulation
- Intellectual Property Rights vs. Access to Medicines: patent exclusivity, compulsory licensing and orphan drug designation frameworks in India
- Clinical Trials and Regulatory Expeditions: challenges in drug approval processes under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019
- Economic Incentives for R&D: market exclusivity, tax credits and public-private partnership models for low-volume drug development
- Price Control and Affordability: the role of the NPPA, trade margin rationalisation and health equity for rare disease patients
Eligibility
The conference is open to students, research scholars, faculty members, industry experts, social activists, NGOs, law firms, advocates and members of the judiciary.
Submission guidelines
- Abstract: not more than 250 words, including the title, author(s) details, institutional affiliation, contact number and email ID.
- Full paper: 3,000 to 5,000 words, including footnotes.
- Formatting: Times New Roman; main text 12 pt with 1.5 line spacing; footnotes 10 pt with single line spacing.
- Citation style: ILI Style or OSCOLA (4th Edition).
- Originality: plagiarism must not exceed 10% and AI-generated content must be below 5%.
- Authors of accepted papers must follow the deadlines, guidelines and any further instructions given in the selection email.
Registration fee
Students:
- Participant: Rs 200
- Paper presentation, single author: Rs 350
- Paper presentation, two authors: Rs 500
Academicians and scholars:
- Participant: Rs 300
- Paper presentation, single author: Rs 400
- Paper presentation, two authors: Rs 600
The fee is not refundable. Bank details for payment are in the official brochure. Spot registration is available for presenters and participants.
How to apply
Email your abstract to healthpolicyconference2026@gmail.com. The brochure gives two abstract deadlines: its Call for Papers page says on or before 12 October 2026, while its Important Dates table says 13 October 2026. Submit by 12 October 2026 to be safe.
Selected authors will be notified by email (the brochure gives 13 October 2026 on one page and 14 October 2026 in the Important Dates table). After selection, pay the fee and complete the registration form given in the brochure (a Google Form; Google sign-in is required) by 21 October 2026. Full papers are due by 22 October 2026 at the same email.
Certificates and awards
All presenters will receive a certificate of presentation on successful completion of the conference; online presenters will receive e-certificates. A Best Paper Award and a Best Presentation Award will be announced and presented at the valedictory session.