SHRESTH- State Health Regulatory Excellence Index

Why in News ?

The Union Health Ministry launched SHRESTH (State Health Regulatory Excellence Index), the first national initiative to measure and improve the quality, transparency and efficiency of the drug regulatory system across states and union territories.

Need for SHRESTH

• India's pharmaceutical sector is a major production hub of the world and is also called the "Pharmacy of the World".
• There has been great variation in drug regulatory capacity across states/UTs.
• Monitoring of manufacturing, licensing and distribution at the state level is important.

What is SHRESTH?

• It serves as a virtual gap assessment tool for states.
• Main objectives:
  • Evaluation of the performance of drug regulatory authorities of the states.
  • Identification of gaps in human resources, infrastructure, licensing, monitoring and response capacity.
  • Provide guidance to States to achieve maturity certification as per global standards.

Framework and Implementation

• Monitoring Agency: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
• Classification of States:
  • Manufacturing States: Evaluated on 27 indices under 5 themes
    • Human Resources
    • Infrastructure
    • Licensing Activities
    • Surveillance Activities
    • Response Capacity
  • Primarily Distribution States/UTs: Evaluated on 23 indices, same parameters

Data Submission and Ranking Process:

• Data will be submitted by States by 25th of every month.
• Score of metrics will be prepared on 1st of next month.
• Ranking will be shared with all States/UTs for transparency.

Key Benefits:

• Strengthening regulatory mechanism.
• Increasing consumer confidence in medicines.
• Ensuring uniform implementation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act.