New Delhi: The government has decided to prolong the tenure of the current Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as the search for a suitable replacement is still ongoing, according to information obtained by News18 on Friday.
After extending the application deadline twice, the ministry has received a total of 18 applications for the position.
The health ministry has requested additional time from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) to complete the selection process.
In a memorandum titled “Re-employment of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on contract basis,” the ministry announced the extension of Raghuvanshi ‘s tenure on January 17.
This document has been reviewed by News18. Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, the current regulator, is scheduled to retire on February 28.
The ministry has asked for “considerable time” to “thoroughly scrutinise” the applications, emphasizing that Raghuvanshi ’s extensive expertise in industry, government regulatory frameworks, and international pharmaceutical trends is beneficial for the organization.
The DCGI leads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the nation’s primary health regulatory authority, which oversees the regulation, manufacturing, sales, export, and import of all medicines, cosmetics, vaccines, and medical devices in India. The organization is also tasked with various responsibilities, including the establishment and maintenance of national reference standards and the enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Raghuvanshi assumed the role of DCGI on February 23, 2023, and was also given the additional responsibility of secretary-cum-scientific director of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).
In preparation for Raghuvanshi’s departure, the DCGI position was advertised in August 2024. However, due to a lack of sufficient responses, the application deadline was extended to November 23.
Despite the extended application period, only 18 applications were received in response to the advertisements.
“These applications are being scrutinised. Thereafter, a proposal will be submitted to UPSC for selection of a suitable candidate for the post. The entire process is likely to take considerable time,” the ministry of health and family welfare wrote in an office memorandum sent to the ACC.
Ministry praises DCGI, calls him an ‘asset’
The ministry has provided further clarification regarding the re-employment of the current DCGI, emphasizing that he is well-equipped to manage this role effectively. It noted that leaving the position unfilled would have detrimental effects on the industry.
The statement highlighted Dr. Raghuvanshi’s extensive expertise in industry practices, government regulatory frameworks, and international pharmaceutical trends, which are invaluable to the organization.
The document acknowledges the significant contributions and initiatives undertaken by Raghuvanshi at CDSCO.
“Under his proficient leadership, CDSCO has implemented considerable reforms. Currently, additional regulatory improvements are in progress, including global benchmarking, automation of regulatory processes, and alignment with international standards,” it stated.
Furthermore, the document emphasized that “given the critical nature of the activities being pursued by CDSCO, the position cannot remain vacant, as this would negatively affect the nation’s efforts to establish a world-class pharmaceutical ecosystem, which encompasses the production of affordable quality generics and advanced technology-based products such as CAR-T therapies and gene therapies for both India and the global market.”
It concluded by asserting that “continuity in leadership at CDSCO is essential.”
The ministry has now sought the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet’s approval for the re-employment of Raghuvanshi as Drugs Controller for a one-year contractual term.
Government is seeking the most suitable candidate, without the pressure of imminent deadlines: Source
A senior official from the health ministry stated, “Among the 18 candidates are Dr. VG Somani, Dr. A Ramkishan, Dr. A Visala, Dr. Jai Prakash, and Dr. Eswara Reddy.”
The ministry is currently reviewing the past work of all candidates, as the role of DCGI has evolved into a critical position, the official informed News18, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Looking ahead, the official mentioned, “There are candidates who are presently ineligible to assume the role due to various personal or legal issues. These candidates are expected to become eligible in the future.”
SOURCE : News18
