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Drug Regulatory Index
Context:
The Union government is developing a Drug Regulatory Index to assess states and UTs on their ability to enforce central regulations on drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
More on News
- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is finalising the parameters for this index.
- Currently, states and UTs follow different regulations, leading to inconsistent enforcement.
Need for the Index
- Inconsistent drug enforcement across states and UTs.
- Some states allow fixed-dose combinations that are not permitted by the Centre.
- Lack of awareness among states regarding the number of manufacturing and sales units in their jurisdiction.
- Weak information dissemination in northeastern states.
- The index aims to bring uniformity, transparency, and better coordination between the Centre and state governments.
Parameters of the Drug Regulatory Index
- Number of raids conducted.
- Availability of enforcement staff.
- Samples tested & failure rates.
- Vacant and filled regulatory posts.
- Resources allocated.
- Number of manufacturing & sales units.
- Additional parameters are being added for comprehensive assessment.
Implementation & Approval
- The decision was taken in a Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- The meeting was chaired by Rajeev Raghuvanshi, DCGI, in January 2024.
