New Delhi, August 19, 2024 — Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda, inaugurated the inaugural 'First Policy Makers’ Forum' in New Delhi today. The forum, running through August 22, 2024, brought together an international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries, hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs.
This strategic assembly aims to enhance the global standing of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and to discuss the implementation of India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), also known as the Janaushadhi Scheme. Delegates from diverse regions including Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific have gathered to exchange ideas on the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products.
Shri Nadda emphasized India's role as the 'pharmacy of the world,' noting the nation's substantial contributions to global healthcare, particularly in manufacturing affordable generic drugs for diseases like malaria, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis, which predominantly affect developing countries. "Our efforts are a testament to India's commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in these nations," Shri Nadda stated.
The forum also saw the launch of two significant digital platforms: the Indian Pharmacopoeia Online portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System software. These platforms are set to revolutionize the pharmacopoeia and drug safety monitoring landscapes, aligning with the Digital India initiative aimed at promoting sustainable technological solutions.
The IP Online Portal will facilitate wider access to drug standards globally, enhancing compliance and safety measures. Meanwhile, the newly developed Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS) software, part of India's Pharmacovigilance Programme, is designed to improve the reporting and analysis of adverse medical events, thereby bolstering India's drug safety framework.
Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the global trend towards generic medicines, which are not only cost-effective but also meet WHO standards of quality. "The success of the Janaushadhi Scheme has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare in India, a model that can be replicated globally to enhance access to affordable healthcare," he remarked.
Throughout the forum, discussions will cover various aspects of pharmaceutical policy and safety standards to foster global health security and cooperation. The forum is also an opportunity to showcase India's advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare services, further solidifying its status as a leader in global health diplomacy.
As the event progresses, delegates will visit facilities like the Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Agra and drug manufacturing units in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, offering them firsthand experience of India's capabilities and innovations in the pharmaceutical sector. These visits are aimed at fostering deeper understanding and collaboration among the participating countries.
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