In an event jointly organised by IDMA-IPC-USP, discussions were held on protecting the public health. Going very aptly with the theme of the event, 'Standards without Borders: Protecting the Public Health in the Modern World', the two-day conference that was held on 18 and 19, February 2010 addressed the need for improved public healthcare system and fostering constructive scientific dialogue that will lead to stronger public standards for medicines and food ingredients used around the world.

Discussions were held on maintaining the transparent and speedy regulatory system, bridging a gap between graduating students and industry, tax incentives for R&D. Dr Swati Piramal mentioned that by 2015 the Indian industry will use partnerships to transform itself completely. Sharing his views, N R Munjal, president, IDMA said that the meeting will provide an opportunity to better understand the scope of pharmacopoeias scientific work and provide inputs on key standards-setting issues.

Dr Roger Williams, CEO of USP highlighted to improve the health of people around the world through public standards and related programs that help to ensure the quality, safety and benefits of medicines and foods. Bruce Ross, director-India Office, US FDA outlined the 'Call to arms' for FDA to establish foreign offices and discuss the priorities and purposes of the India Office in particular.

The first day of the two day conference became a venue for the think tankers to discuss on many burning topics that plagued the industry. They shared and discussed their views and opinions through the USP India Stakeholder Forum, USP India Advisory Group, IPC USP Monographs/ Reference standards Advisory Panel, IPC USP Biologics & Biotechnology: Proteins & Polysaccharides Advisory Panel and Pharmexcil-IPC-USP Advisory Panel on Monographs for Herbal Ingredients & Products. Other's who were present at the conference included Daara Patel, secretary general of IDMA, Dr G N Singh, Secretary cum Scientific Director, IPC and Ajit Singh, chairman, ACG Worldwide to name a few. The event was attended by nearly 350 people from the diverse sections such as Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Production, R&D, Marketing etc. It also marked the presence of FDA Maharashtra, FDA Gujarat, CDSCO, US FDA, IPC, USP, USP-India Advisory group members.