INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED PHARMACEUTICAL TRAINING PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN ARMENIA
armradio.am
18.05.2009 18:07
An internationally-recognized GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Standards Training and Training of Trainers program for Armenia’s
pharmaceutical industry will launch on May 20, 2009 in cooperation
between the USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS)
project, the Ministry of Health, Scientific Center for Drug and
Medical Technology Expertise, Yerevan State Medical University and
the newly established GXP Centre of Excellence.
Facilitated by international experts, the program aims to standardize
knowledge of EU GMP requirements amongst a core group of pharmaceutical
cluster representatives, as well as strengthen the capacity of academic
institutions to provide basic but relevant training in GMP.
The Armenian Pharmaceutical Industry is making dramatic steps toward
the introduction of GMP, a quality standard that most countries in
the world rely on today to import and export medicines. However,
assessments undertaken amongst Armenian pharmaceutical companies
have revealed that GMP knowledge appears to be deficient in a number
of areas.
"Compliance to international standards is crucial for the Armenian
pharmaceutical industry. GMP implementation will largely improve the
competitiveness of the sector as a whole: pharmaceutical producers
will be able to compete more effectively with imported products and
will be able to expo rt to a wider range of countries." Tatul Hakobyan,
RA Deputy Minister of Health stated.
The seven-day comprehensive advanced-level training program is
specially designed to address the abovementioned issues and is targeted
at pharmaceutical production company quality assurance managers,
in-company trainers, technical managers, and senior supervisors. After
getting closely acquainted with the specific problems and needs of the
Armenian Pharmaceutical Sector, the consultants have developed a GMP
Training course based on the World Health Organization GMP basic and
supplementary training modules, but specifically tailored toward EU
nuances and requirements for use in Armenia. An additional course will
assist trainees to become GMP trainers, and those who successfully
complete the Advanced GMP and Training of Trainers courses will be
eligible to provide training through the GXP Center of Excellence,
that has been established by the Union of Medicine Producers and
Importers, with CAPS assistance. The GXP Center of Excellence will
deliver certified trainings and assist companies to fulfill their
continuous training needs.
"The world has been led by GMP standards for more than 30 years. GMP
implementation is a prerequisite for Armenian export growth and
to enter the global market." Frans Stobbelaar, CAPS Pharmaceutical
Consultant said.
"All Armenian Producers understand the importance of proper technical
equipment and well-educated personnel. Th e establishment of a
specialized training center will provide a long-term solution to
staff training needs."