QED operations in India are managed by country head and director of operations - Mr Ali Sajjad Bohra. Ali holds a Masters of Pharmacy (M Pharm) degree with specialization in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice (Gold Medalist) from the exalted National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), India. He has extensive industry experience and has held leadership roles of increasing responsibilities with the most recent being as regional director - clinical operations for Asia-Pacific region for a large global CRO; where he was responsible for leading the clinical operations team across the Asia Pacific region with focus on assuring quality, consistency and efficiency of monitoring services.

He brings experience of executing large global programs and complex studies in major Asia-Pacific markets such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia. He also brings leadership experience in managing and delivering large functional service projects (FSP model) in India for global clients.

There are already quite a few CROs operating in the country. What makes QED different?

Mr Ogorka: As a unique international and highly customer focused CRO, QED has proven that the focus offered from a flexible specialist model is of significant benefit. QED's specialty is achieving high quality by better management of cultural integration, alignment of interest and therapeutic skill and capability to access multiple countries with the confidence of local knowledge. This allows for seamless delivery of full service international projects with a feeling of local confidence.

In addition, successful delivery is dependent on an effective talent management strategy that targets the major obstacles that still make companies hesitate to conduct trials in India (e.g. perceived site and other infrastructure challenges)