2026-07-02

Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, shares her insights with Pharma Industrial India on pharma inspection readiness, quality assurance, automation, data analytics, and digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Q. How can pharma companies maintain inspection readiness as a continuous process rather than an event-driven exercise?

Arushi Jain: Inspection readiness cannot be something we rush to fix only when an audit is due. It has to be part of our everyday mindset. That means encouraging teams to follow quality practices naturally, documenting honestly, and staying transparent in how we work. Regular internal checks, open communication, and continuous skill-building help everyone stay confident rather than anxious about inspections. When people understand that compliance isn’t about ticking boxes but about protecting patients, readiness becomes a habit, not a last-minute effort.

Q. How can manufacturers preserve safety and quality while remaining commercially sustainable?

Arushi Jain: Quality and sustainability actually go hand in hand. When systems are strong and processes are reliable, there are fewer mistakes, fewer reworks, and far less wastage—all of which improve costs in the long run. Yes, investing in technology, training, and infrastructure may feel heavy initially, but it safeguards reputation, prevents crises, and builds long-term trust. If the industry consistently keeps patient well-being at the centre, business success naturally follows, because nothing is more valuable than credibility in healthcare.

Q. How is digitalisation reshaping quality assurance and risk detection in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

Arushi Jain: Digitalisation is helping us move from reacting to problems to preventing them altogether. With digital records,real-time monitoring, and smarter quality management systems, we get clearer visibility into processes and can identify risks much earlier. Digital tools also reduce manual errors and bring greater consistency, while strong data trails ensure accountability. Ultimately, technology supports people—it gives teams better information, faster insights, and confidence to make the right decisions at the right time.

Q. What role do automation and data analytics play in reducing human error across production and testing?

Arushi Jain: Automation helps take away the kind of repetitive tasks where human error is most likely to creep in, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability in critical processes. When this is paired with data analytics, the system becomes even stronger because we can see trends, sense potential issues early, and act before a problem affects product quality. Instead of only detecting mistakes, we start preventing them. This allows our teams to focus on thoughtful oversight, innovation, and problem-solving—areas where human expertise truly matters.

Q. How can organisations foster an environment where employees feel empowered to raise quality concerns early?

Arushi Jain: People will speak up only when they feel safe, respected, and confident that their concerns will be taken seriously. Creating that culture starts with leadership being approachable and willing to listen. Non-punitive reporting, regular awareness conversations, and visible action on concerns send a strong message that quality is everyone’s responsibility. When employees know that raising an issue protects patients and strengthens the organisation—not their jobs at risk—they come forward sooner. That sense of shared purpose is what truly strengthens quality systems.