India's Role as a Global Vaccine Supplier and Generic Drug Leader
India's Leadership in Global Health
New Delhi, June 16: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, emphasized India's prominent position as a global supplier of vaccines and generic medications during the opening session of the Second Policymakers’ Forum hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in the capital.
Patel highlighted that India is a major contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO) and exports a significant amount of generic drugs to the United States.
She stated, “India remains a top supplier of vaccines, providing 70 percent of the total vaccines utilized by WHO.”
Furthermore, she noted that India is a leader in the production of generic drugs, supplying 14 percent of the generics imported by the US, and boasts the highest number of drug manufacturing facilities recognized by the US FDA.
“Seventy percent of our generics are sent to highly regulated markets, and our pharmacopeial standards are consistently updated to align with global benchmarks,” Patel added.
She also mentioned India's extensive vaccine distribution to over 100 nations through the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patel reiterated India's dedication to providing equitable access to quality medicines, citing the Jan Aushadhi Kendras as a prime example of affordable healthcare solutions.
“Our Jan Aushadhi Kendras exemplify India’s commitment to delivering quality and affordable medications to all citizens, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses,” she remarked.
The Forum aims to enhance the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and foster collaboration in the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), organized by the IPC in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs.
This initiative builds on the success of the First Policymakers’ Forum held in August 2024, which led to formal recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a standard reference for pharmaceuticals by several participating countries.
The increasing global interest in aligning with India's regulatory standards underscores the credibility and scientific rigor of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, as well as India's proactive stance in promoting global public health.
Patel also mentioned that India has maintained the WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) framework, achieving Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, which signifies the strength of India's regulatory framework. Currently, 15 countries recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a standard for drugs, with Cuba being the latest to do so.
“This recognition is not merely a regulatory achievement; it represents a step towards harmonizing quality standards, enhancing access to safe and effective medications, and facilitating smoother pharmaceutical trade,” the Minister stated.
Patel expressed India’s commitment to assisting partner nations through communication and planning, aiming to advance regulatory collaboration and promote the recognition of pharmacopeial standards to achieve the shared goal of ‘Health for All’.
The four-day event is anticipated to attract policymakers and senior drug regulatory officials from 22 countries, who will discuss pharmacopeial standards, India's regulatory environment, and successful public health initiatives.