India Hosts First Policy Makers' Forum to Elevate Global Health Standards

A major highlight of the forum was the launch of two digital platforms: the IP Online Portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System software.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers, J P Nadda, inaugurated the 'First Policy Makers’ Forum' in New Delhi, marking a step forward in fostering international collaboration on pharmaceutical standards and healthcare initiatives.

The forum, which runs until August 22, 2024, aims to enhance the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and promote the implementation of India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), also known as the Janaushadhi Scheme.

According to the Health Minister, this platform offers a valuable opportunity for participating countries to exchange views and ensure the highest standards in healthcare for their populations.

Global Health Collaboration

The forum witnessed participation from drug regulatory authorities and health ministries of 15 countries, including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nauru, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uganda, and Zambia.

In his welcome address, Minister Nadda emphasized the forum's role in facilitating discussions on the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products.

Nadda highlighted India's commitment to global health, particularly through its contribution of generic drugs to treat diseases such as malaria, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis—health issues predominantly affecting developing nations.

He also underscored India's leadership in vaccine production, stating that the country supplies approximately 60% of the world’s vaccines, with the World Health Organization (WHO) sourcing 70% of its vaccine requirements from India.

Strengthening India’s Global Pharmaceutical Presence

To bolster India’s standing 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.

The forum focused on advancing India’s pharmaceutical standards and drug safety monitoring through the launch of innovative digital platforms.

Nadda pointed out that the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program, exemplifies India's commitment to providing healthcare to the most vulnerable sections of society.

The scheme offers insurance coverage to over 500 million people, with a budget of $6,000 per person annually.

Discussions on Janaushadhi Scheme

During the forum, Dr Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the global trend toward generic medicines, which are significantly more affordable than branded drugs while adhering to stringent regulatory standards.

Chawla noted that the rising adoption of generic medicines is a key factor in reducing healthcare costs worldwide.

He also detailed the success of India’s Janaushadhi Programme, which has significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by over 40% in just a decade.

With more than 10,000 Janaushadhi Kendras operating across the country, the program ensures access to affordable medicines, particularly in underserved regions.

Chawla expressed India’s willingness to share the success of this program with other countries facing similar challenges in healthcare expenditure.

Launch of Digital Platforms for Drug Safety & Standards

A major highlight of the forum was the launch of two digital platforms: the IP Online Portal and the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS) software.

The IP Online Portal represents a significant leap towards digitalizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, making drug standards more accessible to stakeholders worldwide.

This initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader 'Digital India' campaign, which seeks to promote environmentally friendly and accessible solutions.

The ADRMS software, developed under the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, is the country’s first indigenous medical product safety database.

The software facilitates the collection and analysis of adverse events related to medicines and medical devices.

This software streamlines the reporting process and empowers consumers and healthcare professionals to directly report adverse events, enhancing the comprehensiveness of safety information.

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

Commitment to Global Health Equity

Throughout the forum, foreign delegates engaged in in-depth discussions with their Indian counterparts on ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals led focused discussions on the Janaushadhi Scheme, exploring how this initiative could be adopted internationally to improve access to affordable medicines.

Minister Nadda emphasized that the discussions held during the forum will pave the way for enhanced patient safety worldwide, successful implementation of shared healthcare goals, and stronger healthcare systems across participating countries.

He reiterated India's commitment to global health equity and its role in bridging healthcare gaps in developing nations through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.