New Delhi host the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias

The Indian capital city of New Delhi hosted the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias from 5-7 February 2025. The International meeting provided a platform for the global pharmacopoeial leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in Pharmacopoeias and to improve public health outcomes.

They discussed measures to improve pharmaceutical standards, harmonization of pharmaceuticals, and regulatory convergence.

The first International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 29th February to 2nd March 2012. The 10th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias was held in Strasbourg, France, on 18th and 19th February 2020.

What is Pharmacopeia?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘pharmacopeia is a legally binding collection of standards and quality specifications for medicines used in a country. Here quality specification means a set of appropriate tests that will confirm the identity and purity of the product, and ascertain the strength (or amount) of the active substance. 

Organiser of the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias 

The 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias was organised by the WHO and was hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Who inaugurated the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias?

The 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel on 5th February 2025.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World”, with  India being the largest producer of drugs and medicine in the world.  

She emphasised the commitment of the Indian pharmaceutical industry to ensuring access to high-quality medicines globally. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, and Drugs Controller General (India) was also present on the occasion.

About World Health Organisation (WHO)

World Health Organisation or WHO is a United Nations agency that was established on 7 April 1945.

It works to promote health, expand universal health coverage, and respond to health emergencies in the world.

Members Countries - 194

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland 

Director General : Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Since 2017-)

World Health Day- 7 April every year to mark the foundation of the WHO