Food and Drugs Capacity Building Project

closed

The Food and Drugs Capacity Building Project will improve the quality and safety of foods and drugs in India, by strengthening the regulatory framework and incorporating components of consumer education and public-private partnerships. Project components will: 1) implement policy development, and strengthen the central government food and drug directorates; and, improve program coordination and monitoring. Activities shall include: a) Policy studies and reviews to underpin the formulation of policy and institutional reforms, as well as workshops, and consultations with stakeholders. b) Monitoring activities, i.e., the implementation of household surveys to assess knowledge on the quality, and safety of foods and drugs, and, independent audits on public and private laboratories. c) The establishment, and operation of a computerized management information system to enhance information flows and coordination between the Central and State regulatory agencies. 2) strengthen the government's regulatory capacity for food safety at the Central and State levels, to upgrade related skills in the private sector. Specific activities include: i) a consumer awareness program, and knowledge of food safety issues, and, training provision to food inspectors and analysts in public sector laboratories. ii) private sector staff training, in advocacy and other skills for consumer organizations in the country. iii) development and dissemination of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards, and, construction of laboratories. 3) strengthen the government's regulatory capacity for ensuring drugs quality at the Central and State levels, and upgrade related skills in the private sector. Consumer awareness will be improved regarding the rational use of drugs, supported by professionals, agencies, and NGOs. In addition, training will be provided to regulatory, and qualified staff, and industry personnel, while pharmaceutical standards will be updated. Civil works, equipment and furniture, laboratory supplies, and technical assistance, will be financed.