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Marking a major step in global health diplomacy, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, delivered the keynote address at the Second Policymakers’ Forum. Organized by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, the event welcomed delegates from 24 countries, highlighting India’s rising role in affordable healthcare and drug regulation.

Aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), the Forum seeks to enhance global recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and strengthen partnerships with participating nations. Building on the success of the first Policymakers’ Forum in August 2024, the event marks a key step forward, following the official adoption of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards by multiple countries.

In her address, Smt. Patel spotlighted India’s rapid advancements in generic drug manufacturing, vaccine distribution, and regulatory excellence. She proudly noted that “70% of WHO’s total vaccines are supplied by India,” underscoring India’s global leadership in life-saving immunization. She also referenced India’s humanitarian initiative, Vaccine Maitri, which delivered vaccines to over 100 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting India’s pharmaceutical credibility, she added, “14% of generics imported by the US come from India,” and emphasized that India has the highest number of US FDA-recognized drug manufacturing plants. Such achievements reflect India’s consistent adherence to stringent global benchmarks.

India’s drug regulatory framework was further validated by the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) certification, indicating a high level of regulatory maturity. The recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by 15 countries, with Cuba being the latest, is a testament to its scientific rigor and reliability.

Smt. Patel also emphasized the impact of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which have become cornerstones in reducing out-of-pocket expenses by offering quality generic medicines at affordable prices. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to making essential drugs accessible to all, stressing that regulatory harmonization and international cooperation are vital for achieving universal health equity.

Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava reinforced the message by reaffirming India’s commitment to the “One Earth, One Health” vision. She outlined key achievements, including the setup of more than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the impact of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in bringing down household health spending from 70% in 2004 to 40% by 2024.

The forum also served as a platform to celebrate IPC’s 15-year journey through a commemorative digital release and included technical sessions led by experts from IPC, CDSCO, and PMBJP. Delegates will participate in an immersive four-day schedule featuring discussions on pharmacopeial standards, regulatory structures, and field visits to key healthcare and pharmaceutical institutions across India, including IPC labs in Ghaziabad and Jan Aushadhi Kendras in .

The presence of senior officials such as Dr. Neena Malhotra (Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs), Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi (Drug Controller General of India), and other senior health administrators highlighted the government’s unified approach toward strengthening India’s position as a leader in global health.

By bringing together regulatory leaders from across Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions, India continues to foster mutual learning and cooperation, championing the cause of affordable, safe, and high-quality healthcare solutions for the world.