The Central Government has initiated an ambitious programme to computerize the entire drugs control operations in the country. In the first phase of this project, Tamil Nadu has been chosen to be the first state to have a completely computerized drugs control authority in place.

The computerization of Tamil Nadu drugs control administration, which is to be considered as a pilot programme, is expected to be completed within four months. The Centre will be launching similar facilities in six other states within a year, it is learnt.

According to sources, Accel-ICIM (International Computer India Manufacturers), a joint venture company that has been entrusted with the task of implementing the nationwide computer-linkage programme of drug control administration, has already started the development of appropriate software for the purpose. The selection of Tamil Nadu as the first state for implementation of the project is on account of the proximity of the software development centre of the implementing agency. The computerization of Tamil Nadu drugs control operations will be followed by the similar efforts in Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Once the computerization in all the states are over, the agency will be attempting to network the operations of these drugs control departments. The programme is part of centre's decision to have a uniform pattern of software to achieve optimal harmonisation in drugs control operations across the country.

The Drugs Control General of India (DCGI) had asked the Noida-based Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (India) Limited (HSCC) for implementing the total computerization programme. The company, in turn has selected Accel-ICIM to do the work for them. The project involves development and installation of computer hardware and system software, application software, data communications arrangements, entry and validation of extensive data on licenses and training.

The proposed system would provide for licensing, inspection and enforcement of drugs related laws in the drug control authorities in the states and union territories and linking these with the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) as well as the central and state drug testing laboratories for testing of drugs.

The HSCC comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and will take care of four important aspects in the project, which includes meeting the entire hardware and software requirements, looking into the data entry of existing licensees and training of the officials.