In order to restore efficient enforcement of regulatory works like inspections in manufacturing sites and pharmacies, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) will soon appoint 57 drug inspectors, 41 food inspectors and junior scientists (assistants) in the administration on temporary basis.

While the pharma industry in Gujarat has been witnessing rapid growth both in domestic and exports operations during the last some years, the state was facing severe shortage of drug inspectors to conduct inspections in manufacturing sites and pharmacies. The FDCA, which is best known for its modernisation programmes and for its stringent law enforcement, will fill these vacant posts within two months, according to official sources.

The FDCA is currently short-listing the applications and the merit list for temporary appointments is expected to be ready soon. The move comes as the part of the authority's effort to strengthen its operations in the state, affirmed a higher official.

Even though the administration has notified the Gujarat Public Service Commission about the positions vacant in the office almost two years earlier, the procedure to fill the posts are yet to be completed. The Commission called for applications from eligible candidates for the positions in August 2006, according to sources.

"Though we are able to handle the law enforcement jobs smoothly with our existing staff strength, more drug and food inspectors are needed to make the operations perfect. The increase in staff strength would give us an advantage to complete the jobs in a time bound manner," said the official.

However, the source added that the administration is facing difficulties to fund eligible candidates who qualify according to the rules. For instance, the rule specifies that the candidate should have at least 18 months experience in the concerned field to make them eligible for the jobs which puts the administration in tight spot as there are not much candidates with such experience.