The Union health ministry has now put in place systems to further strengthen the e-governance initiatives. In this regard, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has now unveiled an online portal ‘Sugam’. The convergence of cloud computing, mobile technology, social media and big data analytics is reshaping the future of e-governance.

In the first phase, digitization of applications for grant of registration certificates for import of drugs or import license of drugs in Form 10, under D&C Rules has been completed and is operational.

In a communication to all the state regulatory authorities and the pharma industry associations, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr. GN Singh stated that the portal is intended for those who need to file applications for various services rendered by CDSCO. For security purposes and to avoid spams, it was decided that the applicants would need to pre-register themselves on the portal.

The account will be enabled by the IT team at the CDSCO after verification of the information submitted at the time of pre-registration. This is a one-time process after which the applicant can have continuous access subject to the terms and conditions of the web portal, he added.

For the smooth transition to the e-system, it is decided that the hard copies will be accepted from January 15, 2016 only from those applicants who have registered on the portal. Subsequently, with effect from February 2016, all the registered applicants should submit their applications online along with the submission of hard copies.

The requirement of submitting hard copies will be reviewed once the system is fully functional and stabilized, said Dr. Singh.

The key objective of the initiative is to empower the CDSCO with an effective and modernised functioning of its system, which allows creating a real time platform and augment the safety and security programmes undertaken by it.

States like Karnataka, Gujarat among others are already way ahead in these initiatives which have facilitated transparency and efficiency in operations. The e-system of licensing and drug approvals has seen to enable maximising the network-level effectiveness. The streamlined structure leads to faster turnaround and better performance. In the long run, the e-system is seen as a cost-effective approach. Its implementation helps to achieve lower operational cost, improved access, reduced processing and dispatch of applications pending for approval of drugs and issue of licenses.