M Bhaskaran, director of Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department, has been awarded the “Best Drugs Control Officer Award-2009” instituted by the All India Drugs Control Officers Association (AIDCOC).

The award was given away by the Chief Minister of Gujart, Narendra Modi at a special function during the ongoing Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) at Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The award includes a citation and a certificate. Every year, the AIDCOC honours one officer in the regulatory bodies in the country with an award in recognition of their performance, and presents the award during the IPC.

Bhaskaran is the 61st person to be chosen for this honour. The AIDCOC has introduced these awards to recognize Excellence in the Drugs Control Organizations. Bhaskaran, who has over 30 years experience in career, became the Director of Drugs Control Department in Tamil Nadu in September this year. Before that, he was the joint director in the same department with additional charge of the controlling authority.

After his appointment as director, he has initiated several steps to streamline the procedures of enforcing drugs & cosmetics laws in the state, besides conducting several raids in retail and wholesale shops.

Bhaskaran, hailing from the holy city of Madurai, is a Post Graduate in Pharmacy and has wide experience in the manufacturing side and enforcement of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. He is the senior most qualified official in the department.