Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AYUSH and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)

Ministry of AYUSH and US Pharmacopeial Convention partner to strengthen quality of traditional medicine

Question: Recently the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) under the Ministry of AYUSH and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for-
(a) Financial support for research
(b) Cooperation in the field of Traditional medicine
(c) Promoting Ayurveda
(d) Technical assistance for research
Ans: (b)
Related facts:

  • On 24 August 2016 the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) under the Ministry of AYUSH and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New Delhi.
  • The MoU was signed for cooperation in the field of Traditional medicine and to collaborate in the identification, development, and dissemination of science-based standards in this field at an international level.
  • The aim of this historic MoU is to promote the safety, quality and integrity of traditional medicines and botanical dietary supplements.
  • The goal of the MOU is:
    1. To enhance public health in India, USA, and globally by working together to:
    2. To increase the awareness and understanding of quality traditional /herbal medicines, botanical dietary supplements, and their products;
    3. To increase the availability and access to needed public standards for traditional / herbal medicines, botanical dietary supplements, and their products;
  • The MoU was signed by Dr. Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Director, PCIM & H and Dr. K.V. Surendra Nath, Senior Vice President, Global Sites, USP in the presence of Shri Ajit Mohan Sharan, Secretary, and AYUSH.
  • Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India with a primary mandate to develop pharmacopoeial standards for drugs/formulations used under Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani (ASU) and Homoeopathic systems of Medicine.
  • The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a global health organization that improves lives through public standards and related programs that help ensure the quality, safety, and benefit of medicines and foods.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149197