India’s Federal Minister for Health, JP Nadda, has called for the development of a world-class regulatory framework for drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to align with the country’s reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World‘. This initiative aims to elevate India’s regulatory standards to global levels, reflecting its significant role as a leading producer and exporter of pharmaceuticals.
During a key review meeting with officials from India’s apex drugs regulatory board and the health ministry, Nadda emphasized the critical need for the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to create a comprehensive roadmap. This plan will focus on implementing systems-based upgrades, prioritizing uniformity, technical advancements, and a forward-looking approach to ensure high-quality standards for exported drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Transparency in CDSCO’s procedures was highlighted as a crucial element in achieving global standards. Nadda stressed the importance of open communication between the CDSCO and the drugs and medical devices industry to address issues and support quality expectations. He advocated for developing mechanisms that facilitate ease of doing business within regulatory requirements, envisioning CDSCO as a user-friendly organization with state-of-the-art facilities comparable to global standards.
The Health Minister also addressed the challenges faced by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in meeting quality standards. He encouraged officials to understand the sector’s problems and assist in improving product quality while adhering to regulatory standards.
The meeting included discussions on the progress of the plan for strengthening the state drug regulatory system, launched in 2016 with a budget of Rs 850 crores. Nadda emphasized the importance of collaboration with states to enhance their skills and capacities, aligning them with the Federal Government’s quality standards.
The proposed improvements are expected to benefit both domestic and international consumers, reinforcing trust in Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices, worldwide.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
