In the pharmaceutical industry, "Quality is the lifeline of an enterprise" is more than a slogan—it is the core principle guiding every operation. As the frontline defense for ensuring product safety and efficacy, the QC laboratory demands not only professional expertise but also unwavering rigor. To comprehensively assess and enhance the capabilities of our QC team, while fostering a dynamic culture of "emulating, learning, catching up, helping, and surpassing," Sichuan Xieli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. recently hosted a QC laboratory Operational Skills Competition.
The event was designed as both a skill showcase and a knowledge exchange, highlighting the QC Laboratory’s irreplaceable role in the company’s quality management system. The competition structure was closely aligned with the daily responsibilities of QC professionals, adopting a balanced "Theory + Practical" assessment model to evaluate participants’ overall competence.
Theoretical assessment, solidifying the knowledge base: Accounting for 50% of the total score, the theoretical module covered critical regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and the company’s internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The goal was to reinforce quality awareness, risk management, and regulatory compliance among all inspectors, ensuring that every action is rooted in legal and procedural correctness.
Practical competition: demonstrating hands-on proficiency: The practical segment, also weighted at 50%, drew upon methodologies from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Standard Operating Specifications for Chinese Drug Testing, focusing on the key steps of routine inspections.
As the first segment of the competition, the theoretical exam aims to comprehensively and objectively assess participants’ Ｍastery of core quality management system knowledge, regulatory standards, and professional theories. It serves as a key test of their "soft skills" and foundational competencies. Administered as a closed-book assessment, the exam content is closely aligned with the practical daily operations of the QC Laboratory and industry norms.
Figure 1: Theoretical Examination |
At the competition venue, the atmosphere was intense yet highly organized. Clad in tidy lab coats, contestants from the laboratory focused intently, translating their daily experience into smooth, standardized operation. Every step—from precise weighing and meticulous pipetting to the proficient operation of analytical instruments -directly impacted the reliability of the final data. This was not merely a race against time, but a testament to patience and attention to detail.
Figure 2: Practical Competition |
Following the rigorous rounds, outstanding performers were recognized and awarded. These accolades have significantly boosted employee enthusiasm for continuous learning, technical Ｍastery, and skill improvement.
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Figure 3: Awards and Recognition |
The success of this skills competition extends far beyond the event itself. Through ongoing position training and such competitive events, the laboratory has evolved into a cradle for cultivating high-caliber, highly skilled quality professionals-infusing sustainable professional strength into the company’s long-term development.
In essence, this QC skills competition served as a mirror, reflecting the participants’ professional ethos of "seeking truth through inspection and pursuing facts through testing." It also acted as a bridge, connecting the rigor of daily work with the passion for excellence.
Taking this competition as a new starting point, Sichuan Xieli will continue to strengthen the development of the QC laboratory, translating the strict adherence to SOPs demonstrated in the competition into conscious practice in every daily inspection process. This commitment will be embedded in every sample tested, every data point recorded, and every report issued—solidifying the quality foundation for the company’s high-quality development and enabling steady progress amid fierce market competition.
