The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health & Family Welfare led by Amar Singh, which is examining the issues involved in creating the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and the mandatory registration of the clinics ,will have a two-day sitting in Mumbai on February 16 and 17. During the visit in Mumbai, the committee will interact with the stake holders to get first-hand information on the formation of CDA.

During its study visit to the city, the committee will interact on Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2007 with representatives of small and large drug manufacturers associations, experts, organisations, NGOs, consumer forums, etc on February 16. The committee will also interact on the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 20007 with the stake holders like IMA state branch, state government officials, etc on February 17.

According to the programme schedule, the committee will hear the views of the stakeholders like the industry, officials, etc in the first half of February 16 at its sitting in Hotel Oberoi and the second half has been reserved for filed visit. Apart from the industry associations, the state FDA officials are also expected to give a serious argument against the formation of CDA. Since the committee has already sought the suggestions in writing, it will be an oral presentation of the views.

The sitting in Mumbai is significant as Maharashtra has arguably the most decentralised drug department in the country as far as the licensing system is concerned. It has received commendations even from Dr Mashelkar for its efficient working. It is learnt that the officials will oppose the creation of CDA tooth and nail.

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is preparing a short list of 8-10 major points which will be presented to the committee. "We will ask the Committee to compare the hardships of the ayurvedic drug makers to that of allopathic drug manufacturers in the state to get a fair idea of decentralisation of power in the state", a senior FDA official said.

The Amar Singh-led committee is in its last leg of study visits to different areas of the country. It has already visited all the southern states and some northern states.

The Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill 2007 was presented in Rajya Sabha on August 21, 2007 and was later referred to the Parliamentary standing committee to examine and put forth its suggestions.

The Bill proposes to make amendments in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, in order to facilitate the creation of CDA and introduce centralized licensing for manufacture of drugs in pursuance of the recommendations made by the Mashelkar Committee. The central government is planning to get the bill passed in the coming budget session of the Parliament, to set up the CDA and begin the process of issuing licences to the manufacturers at the national level.