New Delhi: Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday released the 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP 2026), India’s official compendium of drug standards, underscoring its role in ensuring patient safety, regulatory rigor, and international recognition of Indian pharmaceutical standards. The launch took place at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Nadda said the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 reflects the latest scientific advancements, global best practices, and India’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulation. “The Indian Pharmacopoeia has gained international acceptance and is recognised in 19 countries of the Global South,” he noted, highlighting India’s influence in shaping drug standards across developing nations.

The new edition includes 121 new monographs, bringing the total number of monographs to 3,340. Coverage has been significantly strengthened across key therapeutic categories, including anti-tubercular, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer medicines, as well as iron supplements, ensuring comprehensive standardisation of medicines used under various national health programmes.

“In recent years, the Indian Pharmacopoeia standards have also gained international acceptance as they have become a focused agenda under India’s health diplomacy,” Nadda said, highlighting the global significance of the compendium in ensuring consistent quality of medicines produced in the country.

Nadda also praised the progress of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) under the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). He pointed out that India, which was ranked 123rd globally in contributions to the World Health Organization’s pharmacovigilance database during 2009–2014, has risen to 8th position worldwide in 2025. He commended the IPC and PvPI team, saying the strengthened pharmacovigilance ecosystem reflects India’s commitment to patient safety, quality assurance, and robust regulatory vigilance.

The minister highlighted the inclusion of 20 blood component monographs related to transfusion medicine in IP 2026 for the first time. This addition aligns with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and reflects India’s commitment to expanding regulatory coverage to emerging medical needs.

Nadda described the release of the 10th edition as a reflection of the government’s sustained efforts toward quality, transparency, and public welfare. He emphasized that robust pharmacopoeial standards not only enhance domestic healthcare but also bolster India’s reputation as a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory practices.

With IP 2026, India continues to strengthen its scientific and regulatory foundations, ensuring that medicines across therapeutic categories meet international benchmarks, while reinforcing the nation’s health security and commitment to patient-centered care.