Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, J. P. Nadda launched the Indian Pharmacopoeia Online Portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS) software during the ‘First Policy Makers’ Forum’ in New Delhi.

The IP Online Portal represents a major step towards digitalizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, making drug standards more accessible to stakeholders worldwide. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly solutions under the ‘Digital India’ campaign.

The ADRMS software, developed as part of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, is India’s first indigenous medical product safety database tailored to the needs of the Indian population. It facilitates the collection and analysis of adverse events related to medicines and medical devices, thereby significantly strengthening the country’s pharmacovigilance infrastructure.

This software not only streamlines the reporting process but also empowers consumers and healthcare professionals to directly report adverse events, ensuring a more comprehensive capture of safety information.

These digital initiatives are expected to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of drug safety monitoring and standards compliance, further boosting India’s position as a leader in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

The successful launch of these digital platforms and the ongoing discussions at the Policy Makers’ Forum reflect the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure that Indian pharmacopoeia and healthcare standards are recognized and respected worldwide. This solidifies India’s position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector, committed to improving global health through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.

Nadda inaugurated the ‘First Policy Makers’ Forum’ which will run until 22nd August 2024. To elevate India's position in the global pharmaceutical sector, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs, hosted an international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries. The forum featured the launch of innovative digital platforms for pharmacopoeia and drug safety monitoring.

Underscoring India's commitment to expanding the global recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), the forum witnessed participation from various countries including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nauru, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uganda, and Zambia. The forum aims to foster meaningful discussions on the recognition of the IP and the implementation of India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), popularly known as the Janaushadhi Scheme.

He added that “India has long been identified as the ‘pharmacy of the world’. We are proud that our generic drugs help to treat diseases like malaria, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis which are usually considered as the health problems of developing countries.”

Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals said, “A global trend is emerging as patients increasingly opt for generic medicines. Generic medicines adhere to regulatory standardization equivalent to WHO standards and practices and are at least 50 to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. There is a rising feeling in the world to move towards generic medicines.”

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General (India) and Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC; Rajiv Wadhawan, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry; Rohith Rathish, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; and senior officers of the Union government were present during the event.