On 12 August 2025, the Union Health Ministry launched the SHRESTH Index, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance state drug regulatory systems transparently and efficiently, ensuring drug safety for all Indians.
Overview:
The SHRESTH Index, introduced by the Union Health Ministry, is a pioneering step towards strengthening state drug regulatory systems in India. It aims to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines through a transparent and data-driven approach, benefiting citizens across the country.
Why SHRESTH Was Needed:
- India’s pharmaceutical sector is globally renowned for supplying affordable drugs.
- Non-uniform regulatory capacities at the state level necessitated a standardized evaluation system.
- SHRESTH builds on past successes to enhance drug regulation.
Understanding SHRESTH:
SHRESTH, or the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index, serves as a tool to assess and enhance state drug regulatory systems. Its key functions include:
- Benchmarking performance of state drug regulatory authorities.
- Identifying gaps in human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness.
- Guiding states towards global standards certification.
Framework & Implementation:
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) will manage SHRESTH, categorizing states into Manufacturing and Distribution States/UTs. Key details include:
- Manufacturing States evaluated on 27 indices under five themes.
- Primarily Distribution States/UTs assessed on 23 indices.
- Data submission and ranking process outlined for transparency and accountability.
Significance for Public Health:
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the importance of SHRESTH in safeguarding public health through enhanced medicine quality. The index aims to:
- Strengthen regulatory systems.
- Enhance consumer trust in medicines.
- Ensure uniform implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
- Encourage best practice sharing among states.
Additional Initiatives:
- Expansion of the Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) Dashboard nationwide.
- Conducting a National Symposium on Drugs Regulatory Systems.
- Facilitating joint trainings and audits for regulatory staff.
- Organizing capacity-building workshops to align state systems with global standards.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- SHRESTH Index introduced by Union Health Ministry to enhance state drug regulatory systems.
- Designed to ensure drug safety through a transparent, data-driven framework.
- SHRESTH aims to strengthen regulatory systems, improve consumer trust in medicines, and promote uniform implementation of regulations.
- Additional initiatives include expanding the NSQ Dashboard, organizing training programs, and fostering best practice sharing.
