The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a set of guidelines that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. To ensure adherence to GMP guidelines, pharmaceutical companies must undergo regular audits. In this article, we will discuss the GMP audit checklist for pharmaceutical companies as per the WHO guideline.
Why is GMP important for the pharmaceutical industry?
GMP ensures that pharmaceutical products are safe, effective, and of high quality. It also helps to prevent contamination, mix-ups, and errors during the manufacturing process. GMP guidelines cover all aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including the facilities, equipment, personnel, documentation, and procedures.
GMP Audit Checklist
The GMP audit checklist is a comprehensive list of items that must be reviewed during a GMP audit. The WHO has published a GMP audit checklist that covers all aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The following are some of the items included in the checklist:
1. Personnel
The first item on the checklist is personnel. The checklist includes a review of the qualifications, training, and experience of personnel involved in the manufacturing process. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for training new employees and the documentation of employee training.
2. Premises and Equipment
The next item on the checklist is the premises and equipment. This includes a review of the facility's design and construction, the cleanliness of the facility, and the maintenance and calibration of equipment. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for cleaning and disinfecting the facility and equipment.
3. Documentation
The documentation section of the checklist covers all aspects of documentation related to the manufacturing process. This includes a review of the procedures for document control, including the issuance, retrieval, and archiving of documents. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for change control and the documentation of deviations from standard procedures.
4. Quality Control
The quality control section of the checklist covers all aspects of quality control related to the manufacturing process. This includes a review of the procedures for sampling and testing of raw materials and finished products. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for identifying and investigating deviations from product specifications.
5. Production
The production section of the checklist covers all aspects of the production process. This includes a review of the procedures for batch production records, including the documentation of batch manufacturing and packaging operations. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for handling and storing of raw materials and finished products.
6. Distribution
The final item on the checklist is distribution. This includes a review of the procedures for shipping and storage of finished products. The checklist also includes a review of the procedures for tracking and tracing products throughout the distribution process.
Conclusion
A GMP audit is a critical process that ensures pharmaceutical products are produced and controlled according to quality standards. The WHO has published a GMP audit checklist that covers all aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The checklist includes a review of personnel, premises and equipment, documentation, quality control, production, and distribution. Pharmaceutical companies should use this checklist as a guide to ensure compliance with GMP guidelines and maintain the quality of their products.
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