Dr P Sarojinidevi has taken charge of State Drug Licensing Authority (SDLA) in the Directorate of Indian System of Medicines, Tamil Nadu. The position was lying vacant for the last six months after Dr P Bhaskar Suresh, the state's first SDLA was removed from the post on corruption charges last year.

Welcoming Dr Sarojinidevi's appointment, Dr Vijay Mehta, president of ISM Manufacturers Association said the manufacturers are of the view that the new officer will take immediate steps to resolve the problems being faced by the industry.

The manufacturers of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unanai were finding it difficult to renew their licenses in the absence of a head for SDLA. This had badly affected their business, especially in inter-state merchandise as without a valid and updated approval from the government, they could not market their products into other states.

In Tamil Nadu, a separate directorate for ISM was created in early 2008 with Dr P Bhaskar Suresh as the drugs licensing authority. But following an investigation by Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau on a complaint, he was arrested.