The Ministry of AYUSH will be organizing the 9th Annual Meeting of International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) from 8-10 November, 2016 which will be inaugurated by Minister of State for AYUSH Shri Sripad Yesso Naik at Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi.
Being an active member of IRCH network since 2007 the Ministry of AYUSH has been represented in IRCH meetings held so far and has the honour of organizing the 9th Annual IRCH Meeting.
International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH), established in 2006, is a global network of regulatory authorities created by World Health Organization (WHO) responsible for regulation of herbal medicines. Its mission is to protect and promote public health and safety through improved regulation for herbal medicines.
The objectives of IRCH meeting are to Globally promote and facilitate the safe use of herbal medicines, through regional initiatives, sharing information and fostering dialogue; Facilitate and strengthen cooperation between national regulatory authorities by sharing experience, information and knowledge related to the regulation, quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines; Further discuss existing requirements and standards to promote the regulation, quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines; Recommend future activities to WHO related to the quality and safety of herbal medicines; Refer issues to the International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities and other bodies, where ever needed, for further discussion related to the quality and safety of herbal medicines.
Goals of IRCH are to development of a process that addresses and resolves questions related to the regulation and safe use of herbal medicines; The establishment of a communication network that fosters dialogue on the regulation and safe use of herbal medicines among the IRCH members; the development, through WHO, of efficient links between National Drug Regulatory Authorities and information focal points among the member countries of IRCH.
So far 19 member countries of IRCH with 36 delegates including experts from WHO Headquarters, Geneva have confirmed their participation in meeting at New Delhi. The event would be utilized to show case AYUSH strength to these countries.