India has reaffirmed its global leadership in affordable healthcare and regulatory excellence by hosting the Second Policymakers’ Forum in New Delhi. The four-day event, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, is focused on expanding the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and fostering international collaboration for equitable access to quality medicines.

Key highlightsGlobal recognition for Indian drug standards

• Policymakers and drug regulators from 22 countries and CARPHA joined the forum.

• Several nations have begun recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a standard for drug quality.

Inaugural ceremony and leadership participation

• The session was inaugurated by Minister Anupriya Patel, who emphasized India’s global health diplomacy and leadership under PM Narendra Modi Ji.

• Other dignitaries included:

  1. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare

  2. Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, DCGI & Scientific Director, IPC

  3. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs

  4. Rajiv Wadhawan, Advisor (Cost), MoHFW

Technical deep dive and field visits

• Topics covered:

  • Indian Pharmacopoeia’s evolution and role

  • CDSCO's regulatory mechanisms

  • Impact of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

• Delegates will visit:

  • IPC’s labs in Ghaziabad

  • Janaushadhi Kendra in Agra

  • Pharma and vaccine manufacturing hubs in Ahmedabad

India’s vision for global health

• India is leveraging the credibility and scientific rigour of its regulatory systems to forge deeper international partnerships.

• The forum builds on the momentum of the First Policymakers’ Forum (2024), where countries began adopting India’s pharmacopoeial standards.

Quote from Anupriya Patel:

“India is committed to equitable access to quality-assured medicines. Regulatory harmonization is essential for global health equity, and India stands ready to lead and collaborate.”

The forum positions India not just as the pharmacy of the world, but also as a regulatory thought leader. With its blend of technical expertise, scientific infrastructure, and diplomatic outreach, India is shaping a future where affordable, high-quality medicines are accessible to all.