The new Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr Surinder Singh, who assumed the charge of DCGI on February 1, will have a review of all the decisions taken by the previous DCGI between January 21 and 31, 2008.

According to reliable sources, Dr Singh has already ordered his staff to review the decisions took by former DCGI during these ten days. The process of reviewing the files has already started in the DCGI office.

Sources said that hundreds of applications for licenses have been cleared by Dr Venkateshwarlu during this period. The former DCGI already on a 6-month extension, was expected to get another extension of at least three more months. Another reason for a possible extension of his term was his unfinished agenda of FDC issue and the movement against counterfeit drugs.

But to the surprise of many, Dr Venkateshwarlu was denied the extension by the Prime Minister's Office, largely due to the pressure from the big pharma companies.