Why in News?

Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH), developed by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization). 

• Purpose: Virtual gap assessment tool for states to evaluate their drug regulation maturity, aiming for uniform drug safety, quality, and efficacy. 
• Global Alignment: Aligns with WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) (strengthening India's role as the “Pharmacy of the World”) 
  • India achieved ML3 in 2024. 
  • WHO’s GBT assesses the regulatory maturity (on four levels (ML1–ML4)) of national systems for medicines, vaccines, blood products, and medical devices.