Collaborative effort targets safer medicines and disability support in UP

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), operating under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, announced on July 23 the renewal of agreements with Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University (DSWMRU) in Lucknow and the CSIR‑Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR‑CIMAP). The signing ceremony was attended by DSWMRU Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Singh, IPC Secretary‑Scientific Director Dr. V. Kalaiselvan and senior officials from CSIR‑CIMAP.

The CSIR‑CIMAP MoU continues joint research on medicinal‑plant science, the standardisation of botanical extracts and the quality evaluation of herbal formulations. The DSWMRU agreement focuses on establishing robust scientific protocols to assess the quality, safety and operational efficiency of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Additionally, it supports the creation of a pharmacovigilance training module using a symbolic language to raise awareness of drug safety and encourage reporting of adverse drug events among the disabled.

Dr. Kalaiselvan highlighted that these partnerships will enhance scientific inquiry, elevate quality norms and strengthen institutional collaboration, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for health‑service excellence and drug quality. He noted that such initiatives directly contribute to the “Developed UP, Developed India” vision by improving access to safe, effective, high‑quality health products.