Maharashtra FDA will soon approach the State Government seeking a training institute for drug inspectors across the country, with a focus on knowledge upgradation on latest technological advances in the areas of manufacturing, research, marketing & communication, and international regulatory affairs, said A Ramakrishnan, newly-appointed commissioner, FDA.

The institute is planned in consultation with the All India Drugs Control Officers Confederation (AIDCOC) and the industry.

"We will soon approach Maharashtra Government for land and funding for the project. As the ultimate beneficiary of such project is the industry, its co-operation is anticipated in a big way," said Ramakrishnan. Maharashtra FDA will conduct regular interactive sessions with the industry for knowing the latest on the national and the international front, he added.

He was speaking at a function organised by Maharashtra FDA and AIDCOC to felicitate drug inspectors across various parts of the country with certificates for 'good management practices' in work. The certificates were received for a one-year course on GMP offered by Interlink Marketing Consultancy for AIDCOC inspectors. Interlink conducts similar training for the industry.

"Such kind of training does a lot for improving the communication skills and time management abilities of the inspectors," said S W Deshpande, joint commissioner, Vigilance, FDA.