Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, inaugurated the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA). Hosted for the first time in India from October 14 to 18 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the event gathered policymakers, regulatory experts, and health officials from over 194 countries.
In his opening address, Shri Nadda underlined India’s commitment to enhancing healthcare standards globally and safeguarding public health. Reflecting on India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted the country’s rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure and vaccine production, reaffirming its position as the “Pharmacy of the World.” He added, “India’s successful vaccination campaign, covering over a billion citizens, demonstrates the dedication of healthcare workers and the strength of our health policies.”
The Minister emphasized India’s contribution to affordable medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, particularly during the pandemic. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—India extended support to over 150 nations, fostering global solidarity. “Our progress is intertwined with the world’s progress, and we remain committed to advancing global health security and sustainability,” he said.
The ICDRA serves as a forum for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and development of regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products worldwide. Shri Nadda highlighted that CDSCO has built robust drug approval systems for domestic and international markets, with India exporting pharmaceuticals to over 200 countries. The focus remains on ensuring quality medicines at affordable prices.
The Union Minister outlined CDSCO’s achievements, including the digitization of 95% of regulatory processes to enhance transparency. He emphasized the importance of regulating medical devices and aligning manufacturing standards with WHO guidelines. Additionally, QR codes have been mandated for the top 300 drug brands and all active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) packs to strengthen the drug supply chain.
Addressing the conference, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, commended India’s leadership in hosting the forum and stressed the need for global cooperation in tackling regulatory challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and the use of AI in healthcare. Dr. Saima Wazed, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director, praised India for supplying over 50% of the world’s vaccines and noted that strong regulatory systems are essential for achieving universal health coverage.
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava pointed out that India is the third-largest pharmaceutical producer and the fourth-largest export sector in the country. She highlighted India’s role in providing vaccines to international organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI. Other speakers emphasized the importance of efficient regulation to enhance public health responses and India’s responsibility as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, India’s Drugs Controller General, mentioned the recent approval of India’s first CAR T-cell therapy and the continuous upgrade of regulatory frameworks. A pre-conference exhibition showcased India’s advancements in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and clinical research, underlining the country’s growing influence in global healthcare.
The five-day conference includes plenary sessions and workshops focusing on key regulatory issues, such as the use of AI in healthcare, the regulation of medical devices, and preparedness for future pandemics. The ICDRA aims to strengthen global regulatory cooperation through collective efforts, addressing challenges like antimicrobial resistance and promoting harmonization of regulations.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)