Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda has emphasized India’s ambition to lead global drug regulation, aligning with its reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’. At a high-level review meeting, Shri Nadda, along with Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra and DCGI Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, discussed the enhancement of regulatory practices for drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Striving for Global Excellence
Shri J P Nadda outlined the necessity for the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to develop a roadmap with clear timelines to achieve global regulatory standards. He emphasized the importance of uniformity, technical advancement, and transparency within CDSCO’s operations to meet international expectations.
Transparency and Collaboration
Highlighting transparency as a cornerstone, Shri Nadda underscored the need for CDSCO and the industry to operate with openness and integrity. He stressed that fostering dialogue between regulatory bodies and the drug industry is crucial for understanding challenges and ensuring products meet global quality norms.
Supporting MSMEs and State Alignment
Addressing challenges faced by Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Shri J P Nadda advocated for support mechanisms to enhance their product quality and regulatory compliance. He emphasized the integration of state drug regulatory systems with national standards, aiming to upgrade manufacturing practices to international levels.
Future Directions
The Minister was briefed on CDSCO’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and challenges, including the Rs. 850 crore Scheme for strengthening state drug regulatory systems. He emphasized collaboration between central and state bodies to enhance regulatory skills and align with global quality benchmarks, crucial for India’s leadership in pharmaceutical regulation.
