Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by The Health Master
The government of Odisha has appointed the senior most drugs control officer, Annada Sankar Das, as the drugs controller of the state drugs control administration (Odisha DCA). Das was working as the Officer-on-Special Duty (OSD) in the health and family welfare department till now.
Previously, from 2009 to 2012 AS Das held the post of the DC for a term of four years, later he was posted as the OSD in the health department. Now, with one more year to retire, Das was again given the charge of the controlling authority, sources from the health department informed.
Until last month, the drugs control department was controlled by a lady officer, Mamina Patnaik, who has now deputed as the state licensing authority (SLA).
AS Das, the new DC, said his first priority is to ensure availability of good and quality drugs in all parts of the state. People should not be allowed to suffer in availing quality drugs at reasonable prices. The standards of quality and safety of medicines and medical devices will be regulated as per provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Rules.
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As regards allegations about managing and dispensing of drugs in medical shops by unqualified people, the DC said whenever such an incident is come across by the regulatory officials, immediate action is taken by respective officers and the same action will continue in future also. He said strict action will be initiated against any kind of violation by traders or manufacturers.
Das said Odisha has a total of 20,000 retail pharmacies and 7,000 wholesalers and distributors. But the number of manufacturing units is very limited and it comes around 25 only. He said he is preparing a project to be submitted to the government to encourage pharma production in the state in order to create employability for the youths who have passed diploma, degree and post graduation in various pharmaceutical courses.
An experienced regulatory officer, AS Das is the member of the Pharmacy Council of India from the state and he includes in the executive committee panel of the PCI.
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