New Delhi: The 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias (IMWP) began today in New Delhi, with the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, delivering the keynote address. The meeting is being hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
This important gathering has brought together global pharmacopoeial leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders to discuss pharmaceutical standards and regulatory harmonization.
Key Highlights of the Address
In her speech, Smt. Patel reaffirmed India’s commitment to global pharmaceutical standardization and regulatory convergence. She reiterated India’s position as the “Pharmacy of the World” and emphasized the need to ensure global access to high-quality medicines. She highlighted the role of IMWP as a vital platform for international collaboration in the field of pharmacopoeial science.
IPC Newsletter and Special Video Release
During the event, the Union Minister also released the IPC Newsletter 2024 and a special IPC video film showcasing India’s advancements in pharmacopoeial science. The video can be accessed here.
Other Key Speakers
- Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of global partnerships to strengthen pharmaceutical quality standards and ensure safe medicines worldwide.
- Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, highlighted IPC’s contributions to setting global benchmarks in pharmacopoeial science, including the IP Online platform.
- Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, praised India’s leadership in setting pharmacopoeial standards and stressed the importance of regulatory harmonization for public health.
Focus Areas for the 15th IMWP
The meeting will address various key issues, including:
- Updates on recommendations from the 14th IMWP and progress on harmonization initiatives.
- Discussion on emerging issues in impurity assessment (Q3) and implications of ICH Q6 guidelines.
- Defining the IMWP Charter for a long-term governance structure.
- Promotion of environmental sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
The 15th IMWP will conclude on 7th February 2025, with further discussions aimed at reinforcing the role of pharmacopoeias in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines.
