The Baddi-based office of the Drug Controller will finally be shifted to new site with works worth Rs 2.30 Crore to put in place. Having modern facilities the office is shifted in the new complex situated on the Sai Road in Baddi just beneath HPPCB office Baddi.
On 31st May 2016 the office is inaugurated by Health Minister Thakur Kaul Singh accompanied with local MLA Chaudhary Ram Kumar. Honorable Health Minister Thakur Kaul Singh Address the gathering including HDMA members and promises to upgrade the whole system as per international standards and do the needful to maintain the quality of drug as well as cosmetics.
Though the state houses nearly 650 pharmaceutical firms, including 140 which export units, the office of the drug control administration was being run from a small office which lacked adequate space and staff.
Office space measuring 4,000 sq ft had been bought several years ago by the department but lack of funds had hampered its interior work. Release of funds by the state government last year helped to set up requisite facilities, including adequate space to accommodate staff, conference room, waiting area for the visitors, etc.
A modern office was dire need of the drug control administration as executives of pharmaceutical firms, including MNCs, faced embarrassment at the slip-shod office. Since international inspectors from reputed DCAs like the US Food and DCA and several European countries often visited this office while inspecting the pharmaceutical units, the absence of requisite facilities was seen as a negative point.
Drug Controller Navneet Marwaha said the new office space was replete with all requisite facilities like proper space for the field and office staff, a conference room, waiting area, etc. He said since the licensing system was being made online more staff would be added to the existing strength. Work stations had been created for their smooth operations.
Though there were four Drug Inspectors stationed in this industrial area, two more would be added to ensure optimum handling of the 350 pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing units.
