India Hosts Global Forum on Drug Regulation and Healthcare Innovation

Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities, emphasizing India's global healthcare leadership. Highlighting India as the 'Pharmacy of the World,' Nadda discussed India's contributions to global health, advancing regulatory frameworks, and its robust healthcare and pharmaceutical capabilities.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday inaugurated the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities, underscoring India's pivotal role in global healthcare. He declared the conference as a significant platform for sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and advancing regulatory frameworks that guarantee the quality of medical products worldwide.

For the first time hosted in India from October 14 to 18, the event is organized by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It draws regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from over 194 WHO member states.

Addressing the attendees, Nadda highlighted India's emergence as a global leader in health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its role as the 'Pharmacy of the World.' He emphasized India's rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure and vaccine production to meet global and domestic needs, demonstrating the robustness of its healthcare system.

Nadda stressed India's commitment to global health security, guided by 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—an ethos reflecting the interconnectedness of global community. India supported over 150 countries with life-saving drugs and vaccines during the pandemic.

Highlighting the accomplishments of CDSCO, Nadda mentioned the establishment of robust systems for approving drugs and medical devices for domestic use and export. A significant portion of regulatory processes at CDSCO has been digitized to enhance transparency and trust.

To ensure quality and safety, eight mini testing labs at different ports and 38 State Drug Regulator's Testing Labs are operational. Furthermore, India has mandated Bar Codes or Quick Response Codes on top drug brands and API packs to secure the supply chain.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Dr Saima Wazed, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director, lauded India's efforts in drug regulation, reaffirming the importance of global cooperation in tackling challenges like antimicrobial resistance and healthcare innovation.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted India's pharmaceutical industry's contribution as the fourth-largest export sector, showcasing its integration into the global supply chain.

The conference precedes an official exhibition displaying India's pharmaceutical and medical devices innovation. Key stakeholders from the industry presented advancements, reinforcing India's position as a global healthcare leader committed to smart regulatory practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)