Singapore: In order to bring the Indian Pharmaceutical industry at par with international standards, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will now seek only qualified candidates in the workforce.

With effect from January 1, 2018 anybody without a formal diploma or degree in the relevant area won't be employed in any pharmaceutical/bio pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Commenting on the same, Dr GN Singh, Drug Controller General of India said, "To improve the quality of pharmaceutical products, it is important that all personnel employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing units undergo certification programmes developed by Life Science Skill Sector Development Council,".

The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) under health ministry has instructed to all the pharmaceutical manufacturing units to ensure that persons employed by them are duly trained and certified.

The council has also prepared some modes for certifications like Post fresh skilling and assessment of eligible youth; and Post assessment under 'Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)' for existing workforce in the industry.