The Deputy Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), Dr. Patricia Quaye-Freeman, has departed Liberia for a four-day official visit to India, aimed at enhancing international cooperation on pharmacopoeia standards and regulatory systems. The visit, scheduled from June 16 to June 19, underscores Liberia’s commitment to strengthening global health security through improved regulatory partnerships.
India, renowned worldwide for its expertise in manufacturing generic medicines, continues to foster alliances with various nations to advance regulatory cooperation and promote mutual recognition of pharmacopoeial standards.
During her stay, Dr. Quaye-Freeman will participate in technical sessions focusing on pharmacopoeia standards, India’s regulatory environment, and successful public health initiatives. The international gathering involves policymakers and senior officials from 22 countries, including Liberia, Togo, Mali, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, Ethiopia, Jamaica, and others, along with delegates from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and Canada. These discussions build on the momentum from the August 2024 Policymakers’ Forum, which saw numerous countries endorse the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a standard reference for drug regulation.
India’s role as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector is reinforced by its comprehensive pharmacopeia regulations, which are consistently aligned with global standards to ensure medicine safety and quality. Notably, over 70% of Liberia’s generic medicines are exported to highly regulated international markets. India’s focus on regulatory harmonization and standards adherence highlights its dedication to equitable access to quality medicines and global health equity. Dr. Quaye-Freeman will engage with Indian stakeholders and pharmaceutical leaders to advance LMHRA’s international collaborations and recognition efforts.
In addition to policy discussions, delegates will visit state-of-the-art laboratories in Ghaziabad, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Agra, and leading pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing facilities in Ahmedabad. These site visits aim to provide a firsthand look at India’s scientific and regulatory infrastructure, exemplifying its robust pharmaceutical ecosystem.
In Liberia, the LMHRA, established under the Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority Act of 2010, oversees the regulation of medicines and health products, ensuring their safety and high quality. The agency remains dedicated to combating the illegal distribution of expired medicines and strengthening international partnerships to protect public health.
India’s regulatory collaboration is further solidified by the country’s ongoing efforts to set global standards, with the Indian Pharmacopoeia playing a pivotal role. This partnership underscores India’s emerging position as a key player in the global health landscape and reflects its proactive stance in advancing public health worldwide.