The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has started conducting joint inspections of identified Drug Manufacturing Units along with State Drugs Control Administration as per a risk-based approach. This was started under the direction of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The Joint Inspections are being conducted all over the country as per the Standard Operating Procedures. A Committee of two Joint Drugs Controllers has been constituted at CDSCO Head Quarters to monitor the process of inspection, reporting, and subsequent action so as to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules thereunder.
AIR correspondent reports that the Health Ministry said this will ensure high standards of quality compliance with respect to drugs manufactured in the country. An action plan for nationwide inspection of manufacturing units that are identified to be at risk of manufacturing Not of Standard Quality Drugs was made prior to carrying out inspections. The objective of drug regulation is to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the drugs available in the country. The drug control administration is required to ensure that manufacturing units comply with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, especially to the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices.