The much-awaited Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Commission is all set to be operational in a few weeks' time from now. As expected, Central India Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (CIPL), Ghaziabad, the designated national facility meant for the development of IP standards would be the focal point of the new commission.

According to health ministry sources, the Central government has completed all formalities necessary for the proper functioning of the Commission. The Secretary, Health, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will be the chairman of the Commission. The director CIPL will be the chief scientific director of the Commission.

The IP Commission, registered as a society under Societies Act, has a three-tier administrative structure. The governing body of the Commission, which is expected to meet in few weeks, would identify the members of the Scientific Committee that is to take an independent look into the scientific matters of the commission. It is known that the announcement of the Scientific Committee chairman would take place soon after the governing body meeting. The CIPL director would also act as the member secretary of the scientific body, it is learnt. The scientific body is to have representatives from research institutions, office of the DCGI, pharma industry associations etc.

The formation of IP Commission was one of the major projects that formed part of the World Bank assisted Capacity Building Programme for Food and Drugs sector. The government had earmarked Rs 13 crore for the setting up of the Commission some time back. Even though the government announced the formation of the IP Commission, it continued to be non-operational for long due to several procedural delays. "The Commission would turn operational once the selection of the chairman of the scientific committee is over".