Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for setting standards for drugs, pharmaceuticals and healthcare devices and technologies in India.

History[edit | edit source]

The IPC was established in 1948 following the recommendations of the Drug Enquiry Committee formed by the Government of India. The first edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published in 1955.

Function[edit | edit source]

The IPC is responsible for the publication of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), which is a legally recognized book of standards for drugs and pharmaceuticals in India. The IP is published in English and is revised periodically to include new drugs and to revise existing standards.

The IPC also publishes the National Formulary of India (NFI), which is a companion volume to the IP and provides a guide to healthcare professionals on the use of drugs and medicines.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The IPC is governed by a governing body which includes representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Drug Controller General of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Pharmacy Council of India, and the All India Drugs Control Officers' Confederation.

The IPC has a secretariat which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the commission. The secretariat is headed by a Secretary-cum-Scientific Director.