The six-member team headed by Dr Mrinalini Darswal from the drugs control department of Delhi recently visited the Gujarat FDCA office to discuss and deliberate over adopting the much renowned e-governance initiative adopted in the state. Apart from getting first hand experience of the regulatory mechanism adopted in the state, the senior officials from the Delhi drugs control department is reported to be deeply impressed by the Gujarat’s much accomplished and well accepted e-governance programme.
 
The main aim behind this visit, which included two members each from the drugs and food department along with a member from the administrative department, was to understand the modalities and key requirements needed for replicating the same in Delhi. Dr Hemant G Koshia, commissioner of Gujarat FDCA informed that they showed keen interest in understanding the self-licensing software Xtended Licensing and Laboratory Note (XLN) and effectively adopting it in Delhi to ensure good governance.
 
This software, an integral part of the e-governance programme adopted by the Gujarat drug authority has been successful in regulating the sales and manufacturing aspects related to drugs, food and cosmetics; issuance of licenses, etc. One of the most important features of this software is that it enables the registration of all the pharmacists and chemists within the state, which prevents multiple illegal enrollments of pharmacists, a grave issue that regulators have to tackle with today.
 
Dr Koshia added that apart from the XLN software, they were also equally intrigued by the online application for granting product licenses called drug manufacturing license application (DMLA) that enabled the regulators to deliver efficient paperless services on time, and the mobile food and drug testing lab that was recently launched in the state. It is important to note that Gujarat has been the only state in the country to first adopt this advanced governance modalities for better administrative and regulatory purpose.
 
“It is a matter of great pride that other regulators look upon us as inspiration to adopt and implement our governance style. They were really impressed by our capabilities and expressed their full intent to adopt the same in Delhi as well, which in itself is an achievement for us as it comes as a testament to our commitment to safeguard the public health through such progressive initiatives,” Dr Koshia expressed.
 
As of now nearly 14 states from across the country including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, etc. have adopted the e-governance initiative inspired by Gujarat FDCA.
 
Not surprisingly, in yet another recognition to their ongoing efforts at improving the regulatory functions, the Gujarat FDCA was this week recognized with the Skoch award for being India’s best 2015 in smart governance for its XLN software.