Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM)

The program is implemented by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). PQM's primary goal is to build local capacity in medical quality-assurance systems, increase the supply of quality medicines, and ensure the quality and safety of medicines globally. PQM's progress in the first quarter of FY 2016 (October 1 to December 31, 2015) is highlighted in the following areas: 1. National Regulatory Systems Strengthened: PQM has made significant progress in strengthening national regulatory systems, with 18 laboratories in 13 countries receiving quality management systems (QMS) assistance. 2. Quality Medicines: PQM has provided quality control (QC) trainings to 42 laboratories in 14 countries, resulting in 50 laboratory instruments and equipment installed, calibrated, and qualified. 3. Medicines Quality Monitoring: PQM has supported 14 countries with 122 sentinel sites, and 7 countries with 63 sentinel sites, to monitor medicines quality. 4. Good Manufacturing Practices: PQM has assisted 42 pharmaceutical companies in 14 countries to implement good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure the quality and safety of medicines. PQM's accomplishments in the first quarter of FY 2016 include: * 50 laboratory instruments and equipment installed, calibrated, and qualified * 122 sentinel sites in 14 countries for medicines quality monitoring * 42 pharmaceutical companies in 14 countries assisted with GMP implementation * 1 prequalified API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) * 2 prequalified FPPs (fixed-dose combination products) * 1 dossier accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) PQM's progress in the first quarter of FY 2016 demonstrates its commitment to improving medicines quality and safety globally. The program's focus on building local capacity, increasing the supply of quality medicines, and ensuring the quality and safety of medicines will continue to be essential in addressing the critical issue of poor quality medicines.