The Union health ministry has launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (Shresth) to benchmark and improve the performance of state drug regulatory authorities through a transparent, data-driven framework. The initiative aims to ensure that drug safety and quality standards are consistently met nationwide.

Key Highlights

Objective of the index

• Enhances regulatory performance across states and Union territories.

• Ensures uniform quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines across India.

Evaluation categories

• States divided into ‘manufacturing states’ and ‘primarily distribution states/UTs’.

• Manufacturing states evaluated on 27 parameters; distribution states on 23 parameters.

• Key areas assessed: human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness.

Operational mechanism

• States to submit monthly data to CDSCO; scores calculated and shared monthly.

• Encourages best practice sharing and cross-learning between states.

Long-term vision

• Aims to harmonize regulatory processes and strengthen India’s position as the ‘pharmacy of the world’.

• Builds on India’s WHO maturity level-3 achievement for vaccines, with focus now on medicines.

Statements from leaders
"Ensuring the quality of medicines is a commitment of the government to every citizen. Shresth is a roadmap for states to achieve excellence in drug regulation and safety," said Punya Salila Srivastava, Union health secretary.
"The index will harmonize processes, promote best practice sharing, and foster collaboration among states," added Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India.

The Shresth index marks a significant step toward building a unified, high-performing regulatory ecosystem across India, ensuring that safe and effective medicines are available to every citizen, regardless of location.