India to Host WHO-IRCH Workshop on Herbal Medicine Safety and Regulations Starting August 6
India is poised to host the esteemed WHO–International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) Workshop from August 6 to 8, 2025, in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), this three-day event aims to enhance the regulation of herbal medicines. The workshop will gather global experts and regulators to foster international cooperation and technical exchange in the field of traditional medicine.
Inauguration and Participation
The workshop will be inaugurated by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, alongside Dr. Kim Sungchol, Chairperson of WHO–IRCH. Delegates from various countries, including Bhutan, Brunei, Cuba, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Paraguay, Poland, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, are expected to attend in person. Additionally, representatives from Brazil, Egypt, and the USA will participate virtually. This diverse gathering underscores the global commitment to improving the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines.
Objectives and Focus Areas
The workshop will focus on five key objectives aimed at enhancing the regulation of herbal medicines worldwide. These include fostering collaboration among countries, improving safety and efficacy mechanisms, supporting regulatory convergence, and empowering traditional medicine systems. Participants will engage in discussions about the safety, regulation, and intended use of herbal medicines, with particular emphasis on pre-clinical research and safety case studies. A notable highlight will be a focused discussion on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a widely used herbal remedy.
Training and Practical Exposure
Attendees will gain hands-on experience in herbal drug identification, heavy metal analysis, and chemo-profiling using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) technology at the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) laboratories. The workshop will also introduce the Ayush Suraksha (Pharmacovigilance) Programme, which aims to enhance safety monitoring of traditional medicines. This practical training is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to ensure the safe use of herbal products.
Exploring India’s Integrative Health Ecosystem
To provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of India’s integrative health ecosystem, the workshop will include visits to key institutions such as the PCIM&H, the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Ghaziabad, and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. These visits will offer valuable insights into India’s approach to traditional medicine and its integration into public health systems. With participation from regulatory authorities and experts from around the world, the workshop is expected to play a significant role in harmonizing global standards for herbal medicine.
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