SHRESTH Index for Drug Regulation

On 12th August 2025, the Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems through a transparent, data-driven framework.

The initiative focuses on improving human resources, infrastructure, and digitisation in drug regulatory systems while promoting cross-learning and the adoption of best practices among states.
Developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in consultation with states, the index will rank them in two categories — manufacturing states and primarily distribution states/UTs.
Manufacturing states will be evaluated on 27 parameters across five themes — human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness — while distribution states will be assessed on 23 parameters.
States will submit data monthly, which will be scored by the first day of the following month, with CDSCO sharing best practices from top performers to harmonise drug regulatory processes nationwide.