Chiltern's Integrated Resourcing Solutions (Cirs) division is now focusing on India, with the appointment of Rakesh Lalchandani as business development executive
Lalchandani graduated in medicine in 1998 from Lokmanya Tilak Muncipal Medical College (LTMMC) Mumbai, India, after which he worked extensively in critical care.
After successfully completing the Plab exams, which allows international medical graduates to work in the UK, Lalchandani worked in the National Health Service (NHS) in emergency medicine and surgery positions.
He also gained teaching experience by conducting training workshops in infection control in critical care unit's for medics and nurses in Mumbai and by running workshops for basic life support (BLS) for overseas doctors taking Plab exams.
Lalchandani is also completing a post graduate diploma course in clinical research, regulatory and patents, which is being conducted in Mumbai.
This considerable medical experience gives Lalchandani a unique insight into how Cirs can benefit the Indian clinical research environment.
"Cirs is a new concept in India, and we probably will be the first to start work in this field," he explained.
"With Indian pharmaceutical companies, the outsourcing managers and heads of clinical operations tend to be medics.
I believe that with my experience and communication skills we will be able to generate greater awareness among Indian sponsors about Cirs.
"Naturally, there are potential challenges ahead as the Indian clinical research environment is relatively young.
Therefore, it will be important to identify experienced people who will be interested in working on contract with sponsor companies.
"We must also encourage sponsor companies to accept the concept of contract staffing.
"However, our initial discussions have proved extremely promising and so I predict a bright future for CIRS in India."
