India's role as a host for the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) reflects its growing significance in global healthcare. Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, addressed the conference, highlighting the nation's strides in medical research, regulations, and the push toward harmonising standards with international practices.
At the conference, Patel spoke about how India is advancing in regulatory procedures to meet global expectations. She mentioned the introduction of New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules in 2019 and the Medical Device Rules in 2017, which have fostered both scientific and ethical research. These regulations, according to her, align with international practices, enabling India to maintain high standards in medical advancements.
Patel emphasised that ICDRA provides an essential platform for knowledge sharing, building partnerships, and working towards ensuring safe and effective medicines for all. The participation of representatives from over 120 countries is a testament to the importance of such a global initiative.
This gathering of drug regulators from various nations is focused on harmonising regulations around drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, with "smart regulation" being the overarching theme.
One of the key milestones mentioned by Patel was India's affiliate membership in the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). This achievement, along with the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG), marks significant progress in India's journey to harmonise its regulatory standards with international norms. These advancements underscore the country’s commitment to enhancing its regulatory framework and maintaining global best practices.
The importance of this event was further echoed by Dr. VK Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog, who also addressed the conference. He noted that quality medicines not only improve people's health but also positively affect productivity and overall well-being. Dr. Paul highlighted that the conference is crucial in strengthening the regulatory environment worldwide, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also pointed out that India licensed eight vaccines during the pandemic, through proper regulatory channels. These vaccines included various types, such as mRNA and DNA vaccines, as well as nasal vaccines, all of which were made available at a fraction of the cost of vaccines offered in other parts of the world. This not only underscored India’s ability to innovate during crises but also its role in providing affordable solutions on a global scale.
The ICDRA, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to bring together drug regulatory authorities from around the world to discuss crucial issues related to medical regulations.
It plays a pivotal role in promoting collaboration, sharing information, and harmonising drug regulatory standards to ensure that medicines and medical products meet the highest safety and efficacy standards. India’s involvement and leadership in hosting such a significant event reflects its growing influence in global health governance.
As India continues to enhance its regulatory framework, the country is increasingly recognized as a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical research.
The country’s robust pharmaceutical industry, combined with a focus on innovation and regulatory reforms, has positioned it as a key player in international healthcare systems.
Follow us
