Government of Assam has filled up the post of State Drugs Controller (SDC) by promoting a senior drug inspector to the rank of deputy drugs controller and given him the charge of the SDC-in-charge.
Hridayananda Mahanta, the new SDC, has also been given the charge of the state licensing authority (SLA). The post of the SLA was held by a drug inspector till date at the headquarters office of the DCA in Guwahati. SDC post has been lying vacant since 2014.
The government has made the appointment after a long gap of seven years and the department was facing a tough situation due to lack of competent authority to control the enforcement activities.
Further to this appointment, the government has appointed 12 more new drug inspectors by bringing the total number to 14. Previously the enforcement activities of the state were carried out by seven drug inspectors, but five of them have been promoted to senior drugs inspectors recently.
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It is learnt that the government has notified the appointment of 16 more drug inspectors, however the present situation of COVID-19 delays the appointment. Mahanta said their appointment will be held without much delay.
While talking to Pharmabiz, HN Mahanta, the new SDC-in-charge said all the unlicensed premises of drug sales and stocking places will be stopped and action will be taken as per drug laws.
Inspections and surprise raids will be conducted in the premises of the wholesalers and retailers and concerned drug inspectors will be directed to initiate legal actions for prosecution if any violation is detected anywhere.
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