Centre launches SHRESTH Index to boost state drug regulatory systems

News Analysis: Launch of State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)

Context:

• The Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.
• Aim: Create a transparent, data-driven framework for improving safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines in India.

Key Highlights:

1. Launch & Officials:
   • Unveiled by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and Drug Controller General of India Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi.
   • Attended virtually by health secretaries, principal health secretaries, and drug controllers from states and UTs.
2. Purpose of SHRESTH Index:
   • Identify gaps in state regulatory capacity.
   • Guide states towards “maturity certification”.
   • Promote Centre–state collaboration and cross-learning among states.
   • Improve human resources, infrastructure, digitisation, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness.
3. Structure & Parameters:
   • Developed by CDSCO in consultation with states.
   • Manufacturing states: 27 parameters across five themes (human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, responsiveness).
   • Distribution states/UTs: 23 parameters.
   • Data submission: Monthly by states, scored by the first day of the following month.
   • Best practices from top-performing states to be shared for nationwide harmonisation.
4. Significance:
   • Strengthens India’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
   • Ensures availability of safe, effective medicines and medical devices.
   • Supports public health governance, critical for UPSC Current Affairs, health policy, and Centre–state coordination.
   • Aligns with India’s vision for a credible pharmaceutical industry.

Updated: August 13, 2025, 11:24 AM

Source: DD News