Central Drugs authority to be set up

New Delhi, Jan 11 (UNI) The Centre today decided to set up a ''Central Drugs Authority'' as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, proseded over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told mediapersons that the Authority would be located at the Food and Drug Bhavan here.

He said the post of Drug Controller (India) would be upgraded to the grade of Additional Secretary to the Government from the present grade of Joint Secretary. One post of Additional Drugs Controller (AYUSH) would be revived in the grade of Joint Secretary, besides creating one post of Additional Drugs Controller in the grade of Joint Secretary.

He announced a phased five-year transition from the present system of grant of manufacturing licences to a complete central licensing of drug manufacturing units from state to Union government.

Mr Dasmunsi said the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, would be amended.

The Minister said the decisions would facilitate upgradation of national drugs regulator, uniformity of licensing and enforcement and improvement in quality and safety of drugs.

UNI