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 The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has nominated Dr. Md Salahuddin, Professor & Principal, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, and Member, IQAC, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, as its Brand Ambassador representing Karnataka in connection with the release of the 7th Edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026, scheduled for 21st September, 2026.
The release coincides with the 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week, being observed from 17–23 September 2026 under the theme, “Promoting Rational Use of Medicines through Pharmacovigilance: A Step towards Safer Healthcare.”
This initiative marks a significant step by the IPC in strengthening its outreach and engagement with the pharmacy community. The Brand Ambassador initiative has been envisaged with the objective of effectively disseminating information about IPC, among pharmacy professionals, while maintaining a strong connect between the Commission and pharmacy organisations.
Speaking to Pharmabiz, Dr. Salahuddin said that the initiative would help build a stronger bridge between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, enabling greater awareness and engagement with the Commission’s programmes. This role as brand ambassador provides a direct connect between the Commission and pharmacy organisations.
Pharmacovigilance is gaining momentum in India and made considerable progress, particularly through IPC-led initiatives for Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring and patient safety, said Dr. Salahuddin.
He emphasised the importance of IPC’s contribution towards maintaining and updating the Indian Pharmacopoeia, the official compendium of drug standards in India, as well as the NFI. The forthcoming edition of the NFI assumes added significance with its digital version scheduled to be released on 21st September, 2026.
“As pharmacists, we have a critical responsibility to drive positive change in the way medicines are prescribed, dispensed and used. There is an urgent need to strengthen prescription auditing and create greater awareness about the rational use of medicines and the consequences of their misuse, particularly through robust antibiotic stewardship programmes,” Dr Salahuddin said.
Pharmacists must take a larger role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drawing attention to the growing global challenge of AMR, he stressed that India needs sustained efforts to ensure the appropriate and judicious use of antimicrobials. He noted that hospital-acquired infections and inappropriate antimicrobial use requires greater scrutiny, stronger surveillance and coordinated interventions involving the entire healthcare team.
“In this context, pharmacists have a crucial role to play. They are strategically positioned to support prescription audits, promote rational medicine use, counsel patients and healthcare professionals, monitor adverse drug reactions to strengthen antibiotic stewardship initiatives,” Dr Salahuddin said.
Given the continuing concerns surrounding the irrational use of medicines, particularly antimicrobials, Dr Salahuddin cautioned that India remains vulnerable to the growing burden of AMR. He therefore called for a stronger and more visible role for pharmacists in pharmacovigilance, medication safety, prescription auditing, and patient education.
The nomination as IPC Brand Ambassador for Karnataka is expected to further strengthen professional engagement among pharmacists, pharmacy institutions and professional organisations across the state, said Dr Salahuddin.
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