Mumbai: The Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has received Rs. 32 crore to expand its drug testing laboratory in Surat, as part of a larger state initiative to strengthen pharmaceutical quality control infrastructure.
Dr. Hemant G. Koshia, Commissioner of FDCA, confirmed that the 2,500-square-meter Surat lab, which was completed over three years, is now set to enter the equipment procurement phase. “The task of procurement of equipment and consumables for the Surat lab has been assigned to the Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Limited (GMSCL),” said Dr. Koshia.
GMSCL is an autonomous body incorporated under the Companies Act for systematic procurement, inventory management, management information system and to infuse professional management with establishment, development and strengthening the use of information technology in medical store organization.
He also stated that GMSCL will initiate the tendering process through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). “GMSCL will begin the tendering process for equipping the Surat and Rajkot labs. This marks a key step toward enhancing the state’s capacity for pharmaceutical testing,” he added.
In addition to the Surat facility, a new drug testing lab is also being set up in Rajkot. Equipment procurement for the Rajkot lab will also be managed by GMSCL. These developments are part of a broader effort to expand Gujarat’s drug testing network, which will include a new major facility planned in either Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar.
“District collectors and revenue departments have been approached to identify and allocate suitable land. The state government has already earmarked Rs. 12.33 crore for the proposed laboratory in this fiscal year,” said Dr Koshia.
He emphasized that these projects are aimed at building a modern and comprehensive drug testing ecosystem in Gujarat, aligned with both national and international standards. “These investments reflect our commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory infrastructure and ensuring drug quality for public health,” he noted.
The expanded network also includes the upgraded microbiological drug testing lab in Vadodara, which became operational in May 2023. Built at a cost of Rs. 48 crore, the Vadodara lab spans 16,000 square meters and is equipped with class 100 cleanrooms and advanced airlock systems. Dr Koshia highlighted that the Vadodara facility is the largest of its kind in Asia, offering advanced capabilities for microbiological and pharmaceutical testing.
With ongoing developments in Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and the proposed Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar facility, the FDCA is working toward establishing Gujarat as a national hub for drug quality testing and regulation.
