India’s Vaccine Regulatory System Meets WHO Standards

Introduction

India has taken a significant step forward in ensuring public health and vaccine safety. The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) have successfully met the rigorous standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for a functional vaccine regulatory system. This achievement highlights India’s strong position in the global pharmaceutical and vaccine landscape.

India’s Achievement in Global Vaccine Regulation
From September 16 to 20, a team of international experts, led by WHO’s Geneva headquarters, reviewed India's vaccine regulatory system. The health ministry announced that India’s vaccine regulation passed the WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Version VI, a system designed to assess vaccine safety, efficacy, and quality. The review aimed to measure the maturity of India’s vaccine regulatory system, which plays a critical role in maintaining global public health standards.

Benchmarking Against WHO Standards
The WHO has developed global standards and benchmarks to assure vaccine quality. These tools ensure that national regulatory authorities (NRAs) across the globe uphold the highest standards in vaccine regulation. India's system was first benchmarked in 2017 under GBT Version V, and the latest assessment against the upgraded GBT Version VI shows that India has not only retained its maturity level 3 but has also received top marks in several core functions.

Commitment to Vaccine Safety and Affordability
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava praised the CDSCO’s efforts, saying, “India is one of the main players in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide and is known for its affordable vaccines and generic medicines.” India’s commitment to maintaining affordable yet high-quality vaccines has been instrumental in its growth as a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector. The collaboration with WHO strengthens India’s reputation for vaccine safety, efficacy, and quality.

Conclusion
India’s success in meeting WHO’s vaccine regulatory standards is a major milestone in the country's public health efforts. This achievement reflects the commitment of Indian regulatory bodies to uphold global vaccine safety and quality standards, positioning India as a key player in global healthcare.

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#India #VaccineRegulation #WHOStandards #CDSCO #PublicHealth #AffordableVaccines #GlobalHealthcare