The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, led the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation at the 19th Annual Meeting of the International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) in New Delhi, India.
This significant event, held from October 14 to 18, 2024, was inaugurated by Indian Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel. It was hosted by the Government of India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
As an influential gathering of regulatory bodies, the ICDRA aimed to enhance cooperation and share experiences to develop vital recommendations in drug regulation. The conference, themed "Smart Regulation: Providing Quality-Assured Medical Products for All," addressed key topics such as regulatory reforms, medical product safety, and the regulation of innovative technologies.
Dr. Aljadhey remarked: "The international presence of member states is a testament to the shared goals we seek to achieve in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products worldwide. As we gather to discuss 'Smart Regulation,' I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to innovative solutions and strengthened regulatory frameworks."
He added: "By fostering collaboration, harmonization, and knowledge sharing, we can address the challenges of today's dynamic regulatory landscape and deliver better healthcare outcomes for people around the globe."
The participation of the SFDA in this important meeting represents the Kingdom's commitment to engaging with international regulatory authorities, exchanging strategic plans, and determining work priorities in the regulation of drugs and vaccines.
The ICDRA, established in 1980 and organized biennially by the WHO, brings together regulatory authorities from WHO member states. The conference promotes cooperation and expertise exchange, aiming to issue crucial recommendations that enhance drug regulation and ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals globally.