Chairman Of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
In the complex ecosystem of global healthcare, the assurance of drug quality is paramount. For a nation like India, often hailed as the "Pharmacy of the World" due to its massive generic drug manufacturing sector, the standards of medicine are not merely regulatory footnotes but are intrinsic to public health and international credibility. At the helm of this critical infrastructure stands the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), a statutory body responsible for setting standards for drugs in the country. Leading this pivotal organization is the Chairman of the IPC, a figure whose role combines scientific rigor, administrative acumen, and visionary leadership to safeguard the health of billions.
Also led by the Health Secretary, it manages the executive functions and administrative control of the commission. chairman of indian pharmacopoeia commission
Driving initiatives such as the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) and the Materiovigilance Programme of India (MvPI) . General Body - Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission In the complex ecosystem of global healthcare, the
However, the role is not without its challenges. The Chairman must navigate the delicate balance between affordability and quality. In a price-sensitive market like India, there is constant pressure to keep drug costs low. The Chairman must ensure that setting high standards does not become a prohibitive barrier for smaller manufacturers, yet cannot compromise on safety. This requires diplomatic skill and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry’s economics. Additionally, the rise of complex biologicals, biosimilars, and medical devices presents new scientific challenges that require the Chairman to constantly upgrade the technical capabilities of the commission. Leading this pivotal organization is the Chairman of
The day-to-day scientific and executive functions are managed by the Secretary-cum-Scientific Director . As of June 25, 2025, Dr. Vivekanandan Kalaiselvan has assumed this vital role. Who is Dr. Vivekanandan Kalaiselvan? Dr. Kalaiselvan
By virtue of their position, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) serves as the Chairperson of the IPC. Currently, this role is held by Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava .
Beyond the publication of books, the Chairman oversees the Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances (IPRS), which are the chemical reference standards required to test drugs. Without these standards, the regulations in the Pharmacopoeia cannot be enforced. Ensuring the uninterrupted supply and purity of IPRS is a logistical and scientific challenge that falls under the Chairman's purview. Furthermore, the Chairman drives the pharmacovigilance program of India (PvPI). This initiative monitors the safety of drugs in the market, collecting data on adverse drug reactions. By championing this program, the Chairman helps create a safety net that identifies harmful drugs or formulations, allowing for timely regulatory interventions that save lives.


