OCT 15: India highlighted its leadership in herbal medicine regulation at the 16th WHO–IRCH Annual Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, held from 14th to 16th October 2025. The event brought together global regulatory authorities and experts to advance international collaboration and harmonisation in the regulation of herbal medicines.
The Indian delegation, led by Dr. Raghu Arackal, Advisor (Ayurveda) and Deputy Director General (I/c) at the Ministry of Ayush, played a prominent role in the technical sessions on the second day. Dr. Arackal presented the Workshop Report on “Efficacy and Intended Use of Herbal Medicines (Working Group-3),” emphasizing India’s evolving regulatory framework and evidence-based policy initiatives in traditional medicine.
Dr. Raman Mohan Singh, Director of the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), presented the Workshop Report on “Safety and Regulation of Herbal Medicines (Working Group-1)” and delivered a separate session on India’s perspective on herbal medicine safety and regulation. Both workshops had been previously organised by WHO and the Ministry of Ayush in Ghaziabad from 6th to 8th August 2025, forming the foundation for discussions at the Jakarta meeting.
Dr. Mahesh Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), co-presented a session on “Quality Control, Standardization and Sustainability of Herbal Medicines” with Dr. Singh. He also highlighted sustainable use of medicinal plants and the critical role of global cooperation in ensuring quality and standardisation.
India’s active participation demonstrates its pivotal role in setting international benchmarks for the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines. By fostering collaboration with international regulatory bodies, India continues to advance harmonised, science-based regulation in traditional medicine and natural healthcare products.
