India accounts for 70% of WHO vaccine supply, 14% of US generic imports
India is a key player in the global vaccine landscape, supplying 70% of the World Health Organisation's total vaccine stock, according to Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers Anupriya Patel during the Second Policymakers' Forum in New Delhi on Monday.In her keynote address, Patel highlight India's global leadership in supplying quality-assured, affordable medicines. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, India started the Vaccine Maitri initiative and supplied vaccines to more than 100 friendly countries. This reflects India's deep sense of responsibility towards global health,' she said.advertisementThe forum, organised by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Health Ministry in collaboration with the External Affairs Ministry, brought together drug regulators and health policymakers from 24 countries.
Patel stressed the importance of Jan Aushadhi Kendras -- government-run pharmacies that provide generic medicines at affordable prices in making medicines accessible, calling them 'a powerful tool in reducing out-of-pocket health expenses.'She also shared that India supplies 14% of all generic medicines to the US and has the largest number of US FDA-approved drug manufacturing plants globally.Highlighting regulatory strength, Patel announced that 15 countries now recognise the Indian Pharmacopoeia, with Cuba being the latest. 'This isn't just about regulations, it's about aligning quality standards, improving drug access, and enabling smoother global pharmaceutical trade,' she said.Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava echoed the sentiment, noting India's health reforms including over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and expanded coverage through Ayushman Bharat.advertisementShe highlighted how, in 2004, the share of out-of-pocket expenditure in total health expenditure was 70%, which has come down to 40% today.The Health Secretary further underlined that the increased availability of free drugs and diagnostics has been enabled by the production of generic medicines, noting that the number of free medicines provided at sub-health centres has risen from 36 to 106 over the past decade.She explained that AMRIT pharmacies help people get branded medicines and medical devices at lower prices, adding that the forum will be a place where both sides can work together, share knowledge, and plan future partnerships.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
70 pc of the WHO's total vaccines are from India: Govt
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Reaffirming India's pivotal role in the global pharmaceutical industry, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel on Monday pointed out that 70 percent of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) total vaccines are sourced from India. She also highlighted that 14 percent of generics imported by the United States come from India, further showcasing India's dominance in the pharmaceutical sector. The Forum, organised by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Union Health Ministry, brings together an international delegation of policymakers, drug regulators, and experts from 24 countries including Liberia, Togo, Mali, and Papua New Guinea, among others. Patel also praised India's flagship initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide affordable medicines to all citizens. She further noted that the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which are integral to this program, serve as "shining examples of India's commitment to making quality medicines accessible to all." "These centres have proven to be vital in reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses for millions of Indians," Patel added, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in improving public health. 'As much as 70% of WHO's vaccines come from India…India is the world's top producer of generics, with 14% of the generics imported by the US sourced from India. We also have the highest number of US FDA-recognized drug manufacturing plants,' she said. Furthermore, Patel highlighted India's robust regulatory framework, noting that the country retains the WHO's Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status. This, she explained, reflects India's commitment to maintaining high standards in drug regulation. The Indian Pharmacopoeia, she added, is now recognised by 15 countries worldwide, with Cuba being the most recent to adopt it as a standard for drug quality. Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, also addressed the forum, pointing out that over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (previously known as Health and Wellness Centres) have been established across India, where free drugs and diagnostics are provided to the public. She also discussed the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), a health assurance scheme that offers up to ₹5 lakh coverage per family, benefiting 40% of India's population. The scheme has helped reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure from 70% in 2004 to just 40% today. UNI AJ SSP
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pre-monsoon humidity triggers seasonal ailments across Bhopal
Bhopal: As the state capital awaits monsoon, the city's hospitals are witnessing a sharp uptick in outpatient visits, with seasonal ailments. The combination of rising humidity and fluctuating temperatures has created an ideal breeding ground for infections, prompting health experts to urge people towards preventive care. Doctors across govt and private hospitals report a spike in gastrointestinal issues, viral fevers, sore throats, and in some cases skin infections. "Warm and moist conditions are adding to cases of cough and cold infection. It is across all ages not limited among children and the elderly," said Dr Rajiv Singh, a city-based physician. Large number of OPD cases are being attributed to fever, cough, sore throat. The intermittent pre-monsoon showers have further complicated matters by encouraging mosquito breeding, raising concerns over vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Health officials warn that stagnant water in coolers, pots, and construction sites could become hotspots for mosquito larvae. Adding to the concern is the re-emergence of a Covid-19, which has been linked to a rise in respiratory infections. However, the spike has been limited in MP compared to other states. Experts are urging people to avoid sharing items like towels and to maintain strict hygiene protocols. The focus has shifted to monitoring symptoms like breathing difficulties, which can trigger respiratory infections.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
9 Covid cases reported in Ludhiana; cases rise to 47
Ludhiana: Nine persons tested positive for Covid in Ludhiana on Monday. According to the daily Covid bulletin of the health department, the patients include five men and four women. The men are aged 39, 69, 48, 67, and 73 years while the female patients are aged 10, 48, 60, and 65 years. A total of 47 cases have been reported in Ludhiana till Monday. Of these, there are 22 active cases. A total of 20 patients are in home isolation and two are in hospital. A total of 23 individuals have completed home quarantine. Meanwhile, a public advisory released by the department concerned said that due to a slight rise in Covid-19 cases in a few parts of the country, a precautionary advisory was being issued. "Though the situation in the state of Punjab is under control and the health system is fully prepared, citizens are advised to follow basic safety measures to help prevent the spread of infection," it added. Do's: Elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and people with health issues should wear a mask in crowded or closed places. Healthcare staff should wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Cover your mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing using a handkerchief, tissue, or the fold of your elbow. If you feel sick (fever, cough, breathing trouble), wear a mask and visit a doctor. Don'ts: Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, especially if you have health problems. Don't touch your face without washing your hands. Don't spit in public. Avoid self-medication for respiratory symptoms. MSID:: 121887057 413 |
