Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel has spotlighted India’s pivotal role in global healthcare, revealing that 70% of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) total vaccine supply and 14% of generic medicines imported by the United States originate from India.
India’s Global Pharmaceutical Footprint Expands
Speaking at the Second Policymakers’ Forum organized by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in New Delhi, Patel emphasized India’s emergence as a global hub for affordable, quality-assured medicines. She credited initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras and the Vaccine Maitri program for enhancing access to essential healthcare worldwide.
“India continues to be a leading supplier of vaccines and generics. Our Jan Aushadhi Kendras are shining examples of our commitment to affordable healthcare,” Patel stated.
Key Highlights from the Forum
- 70% of WHO’s vaccines are sourced from Indian manufacturers
- 14% of US generic drug imports come from India
- India has the highest number of US FDA-approved drug manufacturing plants globally
- 15 countries, including Cuba, now recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a standard for drug quality
Strengthening Global Health Diplomacy
Patel also reaffirmed India’s commitment to regulatory harmonization, capacity-building, and health diplomacy, noting that India’s pharmaceutical exports are increasingly reaching highly regulated markets.
The forum, attended by delegates from 24 countries, aims to promote collaboration in affordable medicine initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and showcase India’s robust regulatory and manufacturing ecosystem.
