FDA Pune gets three drug inspectors

After a gap of nearly 15 years, the state government has finally filled up some of the vacant posts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The posts had been lying vacant since 1997, which was the last time that recruitment of drug inspectors took place in the FDA. A total of 63 drug inspectors have been appointed across the state; three of these appointments have been made for the Pune office. Of the 161 sanctioned posts for drug inspectors across the state, 98 were vacant.

Speaking to DNA, newly appointed joint commissioner (drugs) for Pune division, BR Maasal said two drug inspectors have already been appointed, while one is yet to come.

“In all, Pune has 12 sanctioned posts for drug inspectors, only one-third was filled until now. With the increase in staff strength, it is natural that it will lead to better vigilance and stricter implementation of the law as well. However, we are hoping for all posts to be filled,” he said.

Of the 63 new inspectors, 12 have been appointed for overall Pune division comprising Pune, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts. Sources at the FDA said a few regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada that didn’t have any drug inspectors until now have also seen appointments for the first time.

The drug inspectors of the FDA are in charge of implementation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 which includes keeping tabs on chemists shops, their licences as well as looking into complaints for spurious or expired drugs being sold.

“Drug inspectors are also to look out for any false claims that are made by manufacturers for wonder drugs. Also they have to check if trained pharmacists are manning shops as any unqualified person can give a wrong drug to someone and the consequences can be serious. These jobs are important as it affects the lives of so many people. Yet for the entire population of Pune, we had just four drug inspectors so it is not hard to imagine how much work could be done,” said an official.

Currently the FDA, Pune has undertaken a drive to identify chemists’ shops running without pharmacists’ licences and the appointment of new officers is expected to strengthen the drive considerably.