Uttarakhand launches initiative to link drug regulation system with technology, conducts state-level workshop

A one-day state-level workshop aimed at enhancing the technical strength and capacity of the drug regulation system was held on Saturday at the food safety and drug administration (FDA) office in Dehradun.

“In today's time, the quality of medicines is not only related to health, but also to social trust. It is our responsibility that every medicine available in the market is safe, effective and meets scientific standards. Continuously training regulatory officials and empowering them technically is an extremely necessary step in this direction,” said Uttarakhand government secretary (medical, health and family welfare) and FDA commissioner R Rajesh Kumar after inaugurating the event.

Additional commissioner (food and drugs) Tajdar Singh Jaggi, former FDA controller (Haryana) NK Ahuja, DCGI (IWU) national president Kothevar Rao, general secretary Balendra Chaudhary and other dignitaries also attended the workshop.

"Our endeavour is to make the drug control system in Uttarakhand more transparent, accountable and technically competent. In this direction, continuous dialogue and cooperation between the department, industry and experts is extremely necessary," Tajdar Singh Jaggi said.

The workshop focused on building the capacity of drug control officers, with sessions on regulatory practices, technological advancements, and strategies to ensure the availability of quality-assured medicines. Participants stressed the importance of collaboration between government bodies and the pharmaceutical industry to uphold drug safety and public confidence.