GS2 – Governance
Context
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the SHRESTH (State Health Regulatory Excellence) Index to benchmark and improve drug regulatory systems across states and Union Territories.
Key Features of SHRESTH Index
- Purpose: A pioneering index to evaluate the quality and compliance of state-level drug regulators.
- Goal: Enhance regulatory capacity to ensure public access to safe and effective medicines.
- Nodal Agency: Implemented and monitored by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Self-Assessment: States and UTs utilise an online tool to identify regulatory gaps.
- Indicators:
- Manufacturing States: Track production compliance with 27 indicators.
- Distribution States: Regulate drug sales using 23 indicators.