Amman, Nov. 4 (Petra) -- The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), in cooperation with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), held a regional scientific forum in Amman to strengthen pharmaceutical quality assurance and promote cooperation among drug regulatory authorities.
The forum brought together representatives of regional regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and scientific experts to exchange expertise on medicine quality, safety and regulatory practices.
JFDA Director General Rana Obeidat said pharmaceutical quality assurance extends beyond setting standards to ensuring that regulatory decisions are based on sound scientific evidence, supported by continuous technical development and investment in qualified personnel.
She emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulatory requirements across pharmaceutical authorities and adopting regulatory reliance approaches that draw on assessments and approvals issued by trusted international reference authorities.
Obeidat said the JFDA continues to align its pharmaceutical regulatory and quality control procedures with international standards, citing its membership in USP, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), and the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).
She noted that participation in these international frameworks supports the harmonization of pharmaceutical inspection practices and strengthens confidence in Jordan's regulatory system, which oversees the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines marketed locally and exported abroad.
Obeidat also highlighted the JFDA's commitment to professional training, noting the establishment of a dedicated training center to strengthen the capabilities of its personnel and pharmaceutical regulatory staff across the region.
She commended USP's partnership with the administration and its role in advancing pharmaceutical quality standards and good manufacturing practices.
USP President Hanan Sboul said the organization works closely with regulatory authorities to improve medicine quality through technical assistance, capacity building and access to internationally recognized reference standards and materials.
She said cooperation between regulatory institutions and the pharmaceutical industry has helped strengthen confidence in Jordanian medicines, support exports and improve the industry's international competitiveness.
USP Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa Zakia Kurdi said the forum addresses key scientific and regulatory developments affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers and oversight authorities.
She described Jordan's pharmaceutical industry as a successful national sector supported by scientific expertise, investment in quality and a strong regulatory framework.
Haider Hussein, Director General of the Technical Affairs Department at Iraq's Ministry of Health, said ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines is a core responsibility of regulatory authorities and essential to protecting public health and strengthening pharmaceutical security.
He said Iraq is working to develop its pharmaceutical regulatory system and improve procedures for medicine registration, quality dossier evaluation and manufacturing oversight in line with internationally recognized scientific 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 included specialized technical sessions led by JFDA personnel and USP experts, focusing on pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory cooperation.
//Petra// RZ
