The Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA), the apex federating body for pharmaceutical activities in the country, celebrates completion of 50 years in the service of Indian Pharmaceutical profession and industry, holding its 50'h Congress at Mumbai during December 10-13, 1998.
India has a centuries-old tradition m Pharmacy. The ancient texts of Ayurveda contain treatises where the preparation of medicinal drugs from herbs and other natural sources and their dispensations are elaborately dwelt upon. The medicinal properties of plants like Sarpagandha, Amla, Haldi and Neem were discovered and incorporated in dosage forms akin to modern day tablets, tonics and ointments by the physicians of yore. These ancient systems of medicine can rightfully be called the forebears of Pharmacy.
The twentieth century witnessed the propagation of allopathic system of medicine and modern pharmaceutical practices. Though a late entrant, India has made significant contributions to the modern pharmaceutical industry. India is the third largest producer of tablets and capsules, the most popular dosage forms of medicines. The fact that this high volume of production has been achieved at the most competitive of costs augers well for society at large. Further, India leads the world in the manufacture of machinery for the production of tablets and capsules. Another important contribution of India has been in perfecting the technology of 'blister packing' which helps to bring down the final selling prices of tablets and capsules.
The pharmaceutical community of lndia has made its distinguished mark overseas also. The IPCA over the decades has given able leadership to the fast development of the pharmaceutical industry and trade in India. It has built up the profession and practice of pharmacy, including its regulatory and educational institutions. The constituents of the IPCA are the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), the Indian Hospital Pharmacists Association (IBPA), the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), the Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association (IPGA) and the All India Drugs Control Officers' Confederation (AIDCOC).
The most noteworthy aspect of the 50'h Congress of the IPCA would be the patronage extended to it by the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA), which has a presence over Asia and Australia. FAPA will be holding its 17th Asian Congress jointly with the Golden Jubilee Congress of the IPCA, thereby making the event one of worldwide significance. The theme "Healthcare for Humanity - Through Pharmacists", is of universal significance.
The stamp design depicts the Neem tree common to most pats of India, the leaves and other parts of which have been traditionally used in Indian Systems of Medicine. Today the modern pharmaceutical industry has rediscovered it and there are many drugs available in the market that are based on Neem extracts.
The Department of Posts is happy to issue this stamp to commemorate the event.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India
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