New Delhi, 09 February 2026 — The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Goa State Pharmacy Council (GSPC), the Quality Council of India (QCI), and HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES) to reinforce India’s drug safety ecosystem, enhance quality assurance, and expand capacity-building initiatives across the country.
IPC–GSPC: Strengthening Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Medicines
The MoU between IPC and the Goa State Pharmacy Council establishes a structured framework for collaboration in pharmacovigilance, rational medicine use, and professional development of pharmacists in Goa. Key focus areas include:
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Promotion of the National Formulary of India among registered pharmacists.
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Strengthening adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting under the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI).
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Conduct of training programmes, workshops, and continuing education activities.
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Awareness initiatives on drug safety, pharmacopoeial standards, and sustainable pharmacopoeia.
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Support for the establishment and strengthening of ADR Monitoring Centres and improved documentation practices across healthcare facilities in the state.
The collaboration aims to build a more robust, systematic, and responsive drug safety reporting framework in Goa, while upgrading the skills and awareness of frontline pharmacy professionals.
IPC–QCI: Driving Quality Promotion and Public Awareness
Under the MoU between IPC and the Quality Council of India (QCI), both institutions have agreed to cooperate in areas related to quality promotion, public health awareness, and capacity building. The partnership will focus on:
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Joint planning and implementation of training and awareness programmes, particularly in pharmacovigilance and allied areas.
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Sharing and utilisation of institutional expertise and technical resources.
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Development of collaborative initiatives aligned with national quality and safety objectives.
The agreement provides a flexible, non-binding framework for project-based cooperation, with specific activities to be undertaken through mutually agreed work orders, supporting the broader mandate of quality assurance and standardisation in healthcare.
Building a Broader Network of Institutional Partnerships
In addition to GSPC and QCI, IPC has also signed an MoU with HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES), reinforcing its ongoing efforts to collaborate with regulatory bodies, professional councils, quality organisations, and public sector enterprises. These partnerships are aimed at strengthening pharmacovigilance systems, enhancing professional competencies, and promoting uniform standards for medicine quality and patient safety nationwide.
Government’s Perspective: From MoUs to Measurable Outcomes
Shri Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, underscored the critical role of the regulatory sector in effective implementation of primary and secondary healthcare across the country. Congratulating Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, and representatives of GSPC and QCI, he described the MoUs as an important starting point for institutional collaboration.
Shri Mangla stressed that such agreements must go beyond symbolism and translate into tangible outcomes. He noted that IPC has already signed four MoUs in the past, reflecting its sustained commitment to strengthening regulatory and professional cooperation. He further highlighted the need for the highest level of attention to drugs and pharmaceuticals, pointing out that enhancing awareness among pharmacists is crucial for patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.
He also reiterated the Government of India’s continued focus on strengthening the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors through policy support, regulatory reforms, and capacity-building initiatives, adding that these MoUs will play a vital role in training, capacity building, and continuing professional education of pharmacists.
Conclusion
With the signing of these three MoUs, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has taken a significant step towards deepening collaboration across regulatory, professional, and quality institutions. By strengthening pharmacovigilance, promoting rational medicine use, and expanding training and awareness initiatives, these partnerships are set to contribute meaningfully to safer medicines, higher quality standards, and improved public health outcomes across India.
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Source: PIB
