Amman:The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), in collaboration with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), organized a regional scientific forum aimed at enhancing pharmaceutical quality assurance and fostering cooperation among drug regulatory authorities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the forum gathered representatives from regional regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and scientific experts to share expertise on medicine quality, safety, and regulatory practices. JFDA Director General Rana Obeidat emphasized that pharmaceutical quality assurance involves more than just setting standards; it requires regulatory decisions based on scientific evidence, continuous technical development, and investment in qualified personnel.
Obeidat stressed the importance of harmonizing regulatory requirements across pharmaceutical authorities and adopting reliance approaches on assessments and approvals by trusted international reference authorities. She highlighted JFDA's alignment with international standards, citing its membership in organizations such as USP, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), and the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).
Participation in these international frameworks, Obeidat noted, supports the harmonization of pharmaceutical inspection practices and bolsters confidence in Jordan's regulatory system, which monitors the quality, safety, and efficacy of locally marketed and exported medicines. She also underscored JFDA's commitment to professional training through a dedicated center for personnel and regulatory staff development across the region.
USP President Hanan Sboul remarked on the organization's collaboration with regulatory authorities to enhance medicine quality via technical assistance, capacity building, and access to internationally recognized standards. She pointed out that cooperation between regulatory institutions and the pharmaceutical industry has bolstered confidence in Jordanian medicines, supported exports, and improved the industry's global competitiveness.
Zakia Kurdi, USP Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, discussed the forum's focus on key scientific and regulatory developments impacting pharmaceutical manufacturers and oversight authorities. She described Jordan's pharmaceutical industry as a thriving national sector, backed by scientific expertise, investments in quality, and a robust regulatory framework.
Haider Hussein, Director General of the Technical Affairs Department at Iraq's Ministry of Health, stated that ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines is a fundamental responsibility for regulatory authorities, crucial for public health protection and pharmaceutical security. He mentioned Iraq's efforts to develop its pharmaceutical regulatory system in line with internationally recognized standards.
The forum was attended by Abdul Nasser Sejari, Chairman of the Arab Union of Manufacturers of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Appliances, an Iraqi delegation, and representatives of the JFDA, USP, and the pharmaceutical industry. The event featured specialized technical sessions led by JFDA personnel and USP experts, focusing on pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory cooperation.