Karnataka Government has appointed Ramakrishna Gandhi as drugs controller. He has replaced Dr. Pravati Nagaral, who had taken additional charge as drugs controller while serving as director, directorate heath and family welfare.

The newly appointed drugs controller has been serving the department for the last 34 years. Prior to becoming drugs controller, he was designated as deputy drugs controller. He is due for retirement in three months time.

It has taken the State Government almost seven months to select the right candidate who is both qualified and experienced to discharge his services as a full time drugs controller, according to the directorate of health and family welfare sources.

The appointment has been made according to the recruitment rules of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Services (Drugs Control department, Non-teaching staff), Recruitment rules 2002 where the minimum qualification to hold the post of the drugs controller is the same as those specified under Rule 50 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The Rule 50 A, specifies the qualification of the drugs controller where he must be a graduate in pharmacy or pharmaceutical chemistry or medicine with a specialization in clinical pharmacology or microbiology can be selected to the post. The Rule also called for additional experience in manufacture or testing of drugs or enforcement of the provisions of the Act for a minimum 5-year period.