India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global cooperation in the regulation of traditional and herbal medicines at the 16th Annual Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO), held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 14 to 16.
The Indian delegation, led by Dr. Raghu Arakkal, actively contributed to the discussions and workshops. Dr. Arakkal presented the findings of Working Group-3 on “The Effectiveness and Use of Herbal Medicines,” showcasing India's evolving regulatory framework and evidence-based policy initiatives in traditional medicine. He highlighted recent reforms, international collaborations, and the Ministry of AYUSH’s commitment to global partnerships in the herbal sector.
In a special session, Dr. Raman Mohan Singh, Director of the Commission for Pharmaceuticals, submitted a detailed report from Working Group-1 on the “Curtain and Regulation of Herbal Medicines.” He emphasized India’s efforts in ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of herbal medicines, outlining regulatory improvements made in recent years.
The AYUSH Ministry noted that India’s contributions underscore its leadership in promoting science-based and harmonized regulations for traditional medicine under the WHO International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH). The Ministry also stressed India’s active role in developing global standards for herbal medicine quality and safety.
Dr. Mahesh Dadhich, CEO of National Pharmaceutical Plants, addressed the significance of sustainable use and standardization of medicinal plants. He emphasized the need for international cooperation in preserving and responsibly using herbal resources.
The WHO meeting served as a vital platform for global experts and regulators to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. India's participation reinforced its commitment to global standards and sustainable practices in the herbal medicine sector.
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