Following the footsteps of China and South Korea, the countries like Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh are planning to recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). These countries may soon list IP at par with the pharmacopoeias of the developed world. The regulatory authorities of China and South Korea are known to have already given an in-principle recognition to the IP.

Informing this Dr P R Pabrai, member, IP Committee constituted by the union ministry of health, wanted the country to urgently strengthen its IP establishment in order to live up to this global recognition. "There is an increasing global acceptance for IP among other countries, including the developed nations. IP committee members have been invited to take part in the meetings of prestigious United States Pharmacopoeia. Quality collaboration groups are being set up with European Union, USP, Indian Pharmacopoeia as partners," he explained.

According to him, India is the first and only country in the world to have come out with monographs of all anti-retrovirals. "The monographs of all anti-AIDS drugs would figure in IP soon. We are also going to have 23 LVPs included in the IP for the first time," he informed.

Dr Pabrai hoped that the much-awaited Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission would become a reality soon. Recalling his discussion with the health ministry officials, Dr Pabrai said that the Commission would be registered as a society to maintain its autonomous character. "Its duty would include developing new tests / analytical procedures and check and validate test procedures of IP," he said.

The formation of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is one of the major objectives of the World Bank assisted Capacity Building Programme in Food and Drugs sector.