SHRESTH Initiative – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index

Context: The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, recently launched the SHRESTH initiative.

SHRESTH Initiative (State Health Regulatory Excellence Index)

• Developed by: Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
• Nature: First-of-its-kind national index to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.
• Purpose: Ensure consistent drug safety, quality, and efficacy across India through a transparent, data-driven framework.

Objectives

• Benchmark and evaluate the performance of state drug regulatory authorities.
• Promote uniform implementation of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Facilitate cross-learning of best practices among states.
• Drive improvements in human resources, infrastructure, surveillance, and responsiveness.
• Strengthen India’s position as the “Pharmacy of the World.”

Key Features

Categorisation of States/UTs

• Manufacturing States (with pharma industries).
• Primarily Distribution States/UTs.

Indicators

• Manufacturing States: 27 indices across 5 themes – Human Resources, Infrastructure, Licensing, Surveillance, and Responsiveness.
• Distribution States: 23 indices.

Data Reporting

• States submit metrics to CDSCO by the 25th of every month.
• Scores compiled on the 1st of next month and shared with states/UTs.

Supporting Initiatives

NSQ (Not of Standard Quality) Dashboard to be extended to all states.

• Regular capacity-building workshops & seminars for regulators.
• Proposed symposium on Drug Regulatory Systems.
• Joint trainings and audits for harmonisation.

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