The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Himachal Pradesh achieved a major milestone by securing an appreciation award from the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), operating under the ministry of commerce and industry, Government of India.
The recognition was bestowed during iPHEX 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, on September 7. The council commended the state’s regulatory body for statutory compliance excellence, industry facilitation, and advancing export orientation for finished pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauded the regulatory team, saying that the accolade underscores the state’s strategic mandate to fortify Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance. He emphasized that establishing robust regulatory frameworks enhances ease of doing business while building a quality-driven, compliant pharma ecosystem. Reaffirming administrative oversight, he highlighted a zero-tolerance policy against unethical commercial practices, substandard drugs, and regulatory non-compliance.
Health Minister Col. Dhani Ram Shandil remarked that the honour marks a significant milestone in statutory drug oversight, praising the DCA’s operational efficiency in auditing manufacturing facilities and implementing seamless market clearance protocols. He said that the agency’s balanced approach facilitates industry growth while upholding strict post-market surveillance.
Secretary of the health department, Ashish Singhmar, dedicated the national recognition to the technical officers and field inspectors of the DCA. He said that the award reflects their systemic adherence to statutory protocols, rigorous inspections, and professional oversight in ensuring quality assurance across supply chains.
Director of health safety and regulations, Jitender Sanjta, highlighted institutional measures taken to digitize licensing procedures, streamline Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and ensure transparent compliance audits. These initiatives have significantly reduced regulatory turnaround times for domestic and export-oriented formulation units.
State drugs controller (SDC) Dr. Manish Kapoor reiterated the regulatory agency’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. He stated that stringent regulatory scrutiny and strict adherence to Schedule M standards will remain top priorities to guarantee the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and purity of drug products distributed locally and globally.
Visitors at the iPHEX 2026 have opined that the accolade solidifies Himachal Pradesh’s position as a compliant, quality-focused manufacturing hub, strengthening global market access and buyer confidence in Indian-manufactured pharmaceuticals.
