CDSCO to create forum to discuss "various issues" pertaining to drug regulations

NEW DELHI: India's apex drug regulator has decided to constitute a forum for its chief to meet pharma associations regularly as part of efforts to improve ease of doing business for the country's pharmaceutical industry.

Two representatives of each association will be invited every quarter for a discussion with the Drug Controller General of India "on various issues" pertaining to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, according to an office order dated March 14.

The associations that are to participate in the forum are the Indian Phar maceutical Alliance, Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association, Bulk Drugs Manufacturers Association, Federation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs, Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry and Laghu Bhartiya Udyog, according to the order.

"Invitation to these meetings shall strictly be by name and only the nominated personnel shall be allowed to attend the meeting. Subject experts from the association may be allowed in the meeting with prior permission only," stated the order.

The discussions are expected to include any issues relating to the industry and the country's drug regulations, said a senior health ministry official. The meetings will further help the CDSCO assess the impact of its regulations on the industry and is also expected to help promote innovation, according to the official.

"There is a need for impact analysis of (CDSCO's) regulations and policy moves," the official told ET on condition of anonymity.