The first phase of computerization of drug control departments across the country and networking of state drug control administrations with the central drug regulatory authority has begun. Chennai based Accel-ICIM has started validating its software by making use of it to computerize the entire drug control operations in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the exercise is to be over, the same is to be replicated in other states on priority basis.

Details about each manufacturing license granted by the state drug control authority, the number of products handled by the state run drug testing labs, samples drawn by the drug inspectors, etc will all be available instantaneously once the computerization works are over.

The center will be able to monitor the entire data thereby minimizing the chances of states issuing new drug licenses. On the other hand, the software would also ensure that there is some privacy for the data entered by one state and the other. It would be accessible only through passwords. Even blood banks licensing would be part of the information network once the project is complete.

The system would be perfect if all states respond to it in a sincere manner and keep the details updated as frequent as possible. The networking is to be completed by the end of year 2004.

The networking of the functioning of the departments is expected to solve a host of major issues arising out of "lack of coordination" within the regulatory authorities at the central and state levels. Immediate recall of defective drugs from the market will be one of the major positive outcomes as electronic alerts can put the entire Indian drugs control machinery into action within a matter of seconds.

Accel was entrusted the task of undertaking the job of electronic networking the department's functioning by Noida-based Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (India) Limited (HSCC), the nodal agency selected by DCGI for implementing the programme. 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.

Accel is to subcontract the responsibilities to reputed agencies that can take charge of specific zones. The company is to monitor the computerization programme of at least one state from every zone and validate the effectiveness of the software before subcontracting the work to others.

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal are likely to be the pilot states where the programme is to be implemented first.

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. The government has to identify a private partner who can maintain and upgrade the facilities on a long-term basis.