The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the highest-decision making body on the technical matters related to drugs in the country, will be meeting on May 16 in Delhi, to discuss key regulatory challenges and issues relating to effective use of drugs in the country.
It is understood that the members of the board, headed by the DCGI, Dr G N Singh, have already identified some of the key issues that will deliberated during this high profile meeting. Some of the issues lined up for discussions and review are amendment to Drugs and Cosmetic (D&C) Act, Schedule D and the Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) issue, along with issues relating to Schedule H1 and medical shops across the country, review on the current issues relating to compliance and time frame required for the clinical studies in the country etc.
A senior expert from the board representing the industry and the pharmacy profession stressed that the Board is very firm on its commitment towards playing a major role in disposing the matters relating to regulatory issues, industry challenges and problems faced by the pharmacy profession at the earliest. “Our aim is to ensure that all the important issues relating to the use of drugs in the country are disposed of so that it can act as a major catalyst towards facilitating and supporting the welfare of the public in general. Keeping this in mind, we have decided to have meetings on a regular interval of 45 days, as this will help us to address the problems in a more speedy manner,” the source added.
The last DTAB meeting was held three months back and it is understood that the CDSCO is closely working towards shortening the time for better delivery of services.
On the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) demand seeking amendment of Rule 65(15)(c) of Drugs & Cosmetics (D&C) Rules, the source informed that board will surely look into this issue as they have got many representation from the PCI, IPA expressing their views and concern on this matter. However, the source pointed out that considering the effect of this demand on the profession many feel that it is an unreasonable demand.
It is understood that pharmacists from across the country completely rebuff the claim made by the association on the scarcity of qualified pharmacists. Sources informed that contrary to the claim, there are more than 80,000 pharmacists passing out from different pharmacy colleges across the country. This fact makes the whole issue of shortage of registered pharmacists in the chemists shops a made up story for commercial benefit.