NE HEALTH BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 2
In a defining moment for India’s pharmaceutical and regulatory landscape, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri J. P. Nadda, on Thursday unveiled the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 (IP 2026)—the 10th edition of the nation’s official book of drug standards —at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre here.
Addressing the release ceremony of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 in New Delhi https://t.co/v2Zf2wjpyt
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) January 2, 2026
Calling the Indian Pharmacopoeia the backbone of India’s drug regulatory framework, Shri Nadda said the latest edition captures cutting-edge scientific advancements, aligns with global best practices and reflects India’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulation.
- Recognised in 19 Global South Nations, Indian Pharmacopoeia Emerges as a Pillar of India’s Health Diplomacy: J. P. Nadda
- From 123rd to 8th Worldwide, India’s Pharmacovigilance Leap Signals a New Era of Patient Safety
- IP 2026 Adds 121 New Monographs, Expands Anti-TB, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cancer Coverage; Introduces Blood Component Standards for the First Time
The Union Minister highlighted that IP 2026 incorporates 121 new monographs, taking the total to 3,340, with significantly expanded coverage across vital therapeutic areas including anti-tubercular, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer medicines, along with iron supplements. He noted that this expansion would ensure stronger and more comprehensive standardisation of medicines used under various National Health Programmes.
Underscoring India’s expanding global influence, Shri Nadda said, ‘In recent years, the Indian Pharmacopoeia standards have also gained international acceptance as it has become a focused agenda under the health diplomacy of the Government of India.’ He added that the Indian Pharmacopoeia is now recognised in 19 countries of the global south, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted global supplier of quality medicines.
On pharmacovigilance, the Minister spotlighted a dramatic global turnaround. He said India, which stood at 123rd position globally during 2009–2014 in contributions to the World Health Organization’s pharmacovigilance database, has surged to 8th place worldwide in 2025. Praising the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) and the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), Shri Nadda said this achievement demonstrates India’s sustained commitment to patient safety, quality assurance and robust regulatory vigilance.
A major regulatory milestone in IP 2026 is the first-ever inclusion of 20 blood component monographs related to transfusion medicine, introduced in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics (Second Amendment) Rules, 2020. The move marks a critical step in strengthening quality standards in blood transfusion services across the country.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Nadda said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has consistently worked to strengthen healthcare systems and regulatory institutions. He stated that Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 is a reflection of this sustained effort and the government’s unwavering focus on quality, transparency and public welfare. Congratulating the IPC and all stakeholders, he expressed confidence that IP 2026 would further elevate India’s pharmaceutical quality standards and enhance the country’s standing in the global pharmaceutical sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava said the release of IP 2026 marks a significant step in strengthening India’s pharmaceutical regulatory ecosystem. She emphasised that a strong, science-based pharmacopoeia is essential to ensure the availability of safe, effective and quality-assured medicines. She noted that continuous updating and harmonisation of standards reflect India’s commitment to global best practices, patient safety and regulatory excellence, while also supporting the nation’s expanding role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
About Indian Pharmacopoeia
Published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) on behalf of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Indian Pharmacopoeia prescribes authoritative and legally enforceable standards for drugs manufactured and marketed in India. It plays a crucial role in licensing, inspection and quality assurance of medicines.
As a member of the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG), the Indian Pharmacopoeia actively collaborates with the European, Japanese and United States Pharmacopoeias for harmonisation of monographs and general chapters. Its general requirements are aligned with International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) standards, reinforcing India’s commitment to internationally benchmarked pharmaceutical quality norms.
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India; Shri Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission; and other senior officials and industry experts were present at the event.
