An enforcement officer with science and pharmacy background has assumed the office of Drugs Controller in Kerala.

P Hari Prasad, the deputy drugs controller in the department was given the charge of the DC by the health department on last Wednesday following the retirement of C S Satheesh Kumar.

Hariprasad is a graduate in chemistry and a graduate in pharmacy. His previous assignment was in the capacity of deputy drugs controller in charge of intelligence branch. Currently he has the additional charge of licensing authority.

According to information from his colleagues, he has a rich haul of experience in the enforcement of drugs and cosmetics act. His career started in June 1990 as a drug inspector.

There was news that Satheesh Kumar will continue in the seat for another one year term with the blessings of the health minister, but it proved as untrue in the end.