Expert panel of planning commission suggests complete reconditioning of drug control system

MUMBAI: The expert panel appointed by the planning commission ,under the chairmanship of K Chandramouli, then secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, has suggested to the government a total reconditioning of the drug regulatory mechanism at the centre and in the states.

The panel said, “Strengthening of drugs regulatory mechanisms is one of the major public health interventions. This ensures that safe, efficacious and quality drugs are made available to the people. Keeping in view the recommendations of the Mashelkar Committee, it is important that the infrastructure, both physical and human resource, both at the Centre as well as in the States is substantially augmented. A more transparent and effective monitoring of clinical trials is required. Regulation and control of all medical devices needs to be tightened.”

The expert panel also stated, ““The proposed financial outlay for these activities is Rs.6256 crore for the Centre and the States which includes manpower augmentation, creation and upgradation of labs, setting up of new offices of drugs regulatory control, strengthening pharmacovigillance and creating awareness among people (care givers and receivers) regarding safe drugs both at the Centre and in the states. For providing financial and human resources support to the state, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is proposed.”