The Union Health Ministry has launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) in 2025 to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems. Developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), SHRESTH uses a transparent, data-driven framework to ensure uniform standards for drug safety, quality, and efficacy nationwide.
States and Union Territories are grouped into Manufacturing and Distribution categories, assessed on 27 and 23 indicators respectively, covering human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness. Data is submitted monthly for scoring and feedback, helping states identify gaps and adopt best practices.
The initiative promotes cooperative federalism, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among states. Capacity-building workshops, nationwide expansion of the NSQ Dashboard, and joint training programs are planned to harmonise regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
By improving regulatory processes, digitisation, and infrastructure, SHRESTH aims to make safe, high-quality medicines accessible to every Indian, reinforcing India’s status as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
