With a view to upgrade and strengthen the drug regulatory system in the state, officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab along with a team of experts headed by the drug controller of the Punjab state drug controlling authority visited the Gujarat FDCA office recently. During the course of the meeting, representatives from Punjab expressed their interest in understanding the Gujarat model so as to adopt the same in their state to ensure strong functioning of the regulatory body and effective implementation of Drugs & Cosmetics (D&C) Act.

This initiative is a part of the state drug controlling authorities efforts to impress the  importance of adopting a different strategy to enhance the administrative mechanism successfully in Punjab by taking immediate steps for improving the present system. Apart from analysing the work culture in the state, the eight member delegate headed by the drug controller, Ajay Singla,who visited Gujarat on a two day trip showed keen interest in exploring the possibility of having a long term working relation with the state drug authority through collaboration and cross training initiative.

Singla stressed, “To ensure better services to the public, it is essential to keep on updating and upgrading the regulatory system as per the changing demand of the market and industry. Since Gujarat FDCA has already established itself as one of the most technologically advanced regulatory body in the country, it is only natural for us to adopt a similar model. Our experience so far has been very productive and we hope to collaborate and work with them further so that we can utilise their wide expertise and knowledge in e governance and other factors to enhance our deliverables.”

The representatives from both the states had a thorough discussion on technicalities of adapting the best practices, enforcement and policing techniques in the state of Punjab. Expressing his view on this Dr H G Koshia, commissioner, Gujarat FDCA said that they are more than willing to assist Punjab in realising their vision as it is in the interest of the public at large.

“The interest shown in adopting our model is a matter of great pride for us and reinstates our belief in enhancing our drug regulatory set up further so that we can always be ahead in ensuring effective regulatory practices throughout the state as well as in the country. We are looking forward to work with them and are always open to provide them will all the possible kind of support that we can,” Dr Koshia added.

The representatives also visited the CMSO to get a idea of the drug procurement system adopted in the state as well.