In a significant step towards improving blood safety and strengthening transfusion services across the country, the (IPC) organised a national conference to create awareness about the newly introduced standards for blood and blood components under Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026.

The conference, held at the IPC campus in Ghaziabad, focused on ensuring better quality, safety and effectiveness of blood products used in healthcare facilities. The event brought together more than 160 experts, including blood centre professionals, quality control specialists, haemovigilance experts, government officials and regulatory authorities from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

The new standards introduced in IP 2026 aim to improve quality assurance practices, enhance patient safety and ensure better regulatory compliance in blood transfusion services. These blood and blood component monographs are a unique addition to the Indian Pharmacopoeia and represent India’s efforts to establish stronger benchmarks in this critical area of healthcare.

Addressing the conference virtually, Shri Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary (Drug and Food Regulation), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, appreciated IPC’s initiative and highlighted the importance of collective efforts among stakeholders to ensure safe, high-quality and easily available blood and blood components for patients.

The inaugural session was also attended by Dr. G. N. Singh, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and former Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Jai Prakash, Senior Principal Scientific Officer, IPC, followed by remarks from Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC.

Dr. Kalaiselvan highlighted that the updated standards are aligned with modern scientific developments and national as well as international regulatory expectations. He said these guidelines will play an important role in improving quality management systems and strengthening confidence in transfusion services.

The conference included discussions on various aspects of IP 2026 standards, regulatory requirements, rational use of blood, plasma quality, the National Formulary of India, the Haemovigilance Programme of India and digital platforms such as IP Online.

A panel discussion involving experts from IPC, State Licensing Authorities, haemovigilance programmes and transfusion medicine institutions focused on strategies for implementing the new standards and addressing future regulatory challenges.

The conference served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, training and collaboration among stakeholders. Blood centres across the country reaffirmed their commitment to adopting the updated standards to ensure safer transfusions and improve patient care.