India eyes WHO audit boost to global pharma reputation

The audit would aim at detecting specific strengths and weaknesses to make system foolproof

- Priyanka Sharma [e-mail]

The move comes after multiple instances of safety-related incidents in the country as well as export markets raised quality concerns on India-made drugs.

(AFP)

India plans to get its drug regulatory system audited and rated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to detect specific strengths and weaknesses that will help to make it foolproof, according to four officials and a document reviewed by Mint.

The move comes after multiple instances of drug safety-related incidents in the country as well as export markets raised serious questions on the quality of medicines made in India, often referred to as “pharmacy of the world”. India faces multiple challenges in drug quality given the sheer scale of the industry, comprising thousands of manufacturers regulated by varying state-level standards.