Shortage of drug inspectors hurting State's healthcare

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, May 1: Assam is facing a severe shortage of drug inspectors, who ensure that medicines made and sold in the State are safe for consumption. Out of total 21 sanctioned posts of drug inspectors in the State, there are only 9 drug inspectors. There are 14 sanctioned posts of senior drug inspectors but only 7 are serving at present.

Due to shortage of required number of drug inspectors, the entire burden of work is being borne by the nine drug inspectors.

The drug inspectors are responsible for conducting inspections of pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies. They also form an important cog in the quality control process of the pharmaceuticals industry.

A per the Mashelkar Committee report, there should be one senior drug inspector and one drug inspector in every medical block. In Assam, there are around 150 medical blocks.

Presently, a deputy drug controller is in charge of the drug controller’s post in the State.