Last Updated on July 7, 2026 by The Health Master
22 Inspectors Designated as Medical Devices Officers
The regulatory landscape for medical devices in India is undergoing a massive transformation. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has appointed 22 Drugs Inspectors (Medical Devices) as Medical Devices Officers (MDOs) under the Medical Devices Rules (MDR), 2017.
The appointment comes amid a significant shortage of medical device inspectors within the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
It will make it easier for medical device manufacturers and healthcare stakeholders to comply with health regulations and thrive in a robust regulatory environment.
Section 21 and the Medical Devices Rules 2017
The appointment of these officers was executed under two legislative processes:
The June Appointment:
On June 3, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare appointed 22 officers as Drugs Inspectors (Medical Devices) under Section 21 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The Act allows both the central and state governments to appoint inspectors under the Official Gazette of India.
The MDO Designation:
Under the Medical Devices Rules (MDR) 2017, the central government appointed these individuals as Medical Devices Officers (MDOs).
An MDO has the same powers as a government analyst and a Drugs Inspector (Medical Devices) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Statutory Authority:
They can inspect the manufacturing units of medical devices and seize those that do not meet quality control standards.
43 New Openings on Deputation
The appointment of 22 MDOs is part of a much larger recruitment drive by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India to strengthen the regulatory infrastructure for medical devices in the country.
The Ministry has issued a call for applications for the recruitment of 43 more Drugs Inspectors (Medical Devices) to be appointed on deputation to the various Regional offices of the CDSCO.
Interested candidates can apply through the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India.
