Mumbai: The 4th Annual Frost & Sullivan India Healthcare Excellence Awards 2012, were held in Mumbai to recognize companies that showed innovative growth strategies and solutions in the healthcare industry during 2011-12.

The award selection procedure was lauded by the eminent individuals present in the gathering as impartial and thorough. Frost & Sullivan's analyst team shortlisted companies for each award category on the basis of detailed research on pre-defined parameters, followed by interviews with the shortlisted companies to verify the facts. A competitive matrix was then prepared for the purpose of judgment on the pre-defined parameters. An independent panel then deliberated on the most deserving award recipients.

Bharat Serums and Vaccines won the coveted 'Fastest-Growing Indian Biotechnology Company of the Year' award and its associate SIRO Clinpharm, which is India's first CRO, won the 'Indian Clinical Research Organization of the Year'. Other winners in the biotech and pharma space included Roche Diagnostics India bagging the 'In Vitro Diagnostics Company of the Year', Sun Pharmaceuticals winning the 'Fastest-Growing Indian International Pharmaceutical Company of the Year', and Novo Nordisk securing the 'Diabetologist's Award for the Best Diabetology Company of the Year'.

Moreover, the 'Paediatrician's Award for the Best Vaccine Company of the Year' was given to GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Abbott India was adjudged the 'MNC Pharmaceutical Company of the Year' and Roche India the 'Best Oncology Company of the Year'.

Furthermore, this year's event saw Frost & Sullivan honor Dr Habil Khorakiwala, chairman, Wockhardt, with a special Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr Khorakiwala was presented the award for his immense contribution towards transforming the Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare scenario. His pioneering spirit and vision led to establishment of the Wockhardt Group, which has burgeoned into India's leading research-based global healthcare enterprise; with relevance in fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nutraceuticals, dermato-cosmeceuticals, cardiology, along with establishment of a chain of advanced super speciality hospitals.