AiMeD welcomes the move long overdue to boost India’s Regulatory Framework
New Delhi: 21 Drug Inspectors have been promoted to Assistant Drugs Controllers (India) under CDSCO. It was long unmet need for the effective regulation of the domain. It has raised hopes of patient’s safety too. AiMeD warmly welcomes the move expressing hope that this long‑awaited step restores momentum to the careers of officers who, despite their engineering expertise, had been held back and confined to import file evaluations.
Promoting drug inspectors and filling regulatory vacancies improves workforce morale and strengthens oversight of manufacturing units and pharmacies. Adequate staffing helps curb sub-standard drugs, ensures rigorous compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and directly safeguards public health.
Their elevation is not only a recognition of merit but also a strategic boost to India’s National Regulatory Framework. For too long, regulatory audits have been dominated by officers with a drug‑centric background. The inclusion of engineering‑trained regulators will help bridge a critical gap — bringing technical knowledge that aligns with the needs of the manufacturing ecosystem and strengthens patient safety oversight.
Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD (Association of Indian Medical Device Industry) has said, ‘We deeply appreciate the foresight of the DCGI and the top management of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for making this course correction, in line with recommendations of the Parliamentary Health Committee and consistent with AiMeD’s long‑standing advocacy. Their leadership has ensured that the regulatory system evolves to reflect the diversity of expertise required in medical devices.
We are confident that under their leadership, more officers will be inducted, and their scientific approach will enable faster, evidence‑based regulatory approvals without drug bias. This will enhance credibility, support innovation, and ensure that India’s regulatory system evolves in step with global best practices.
This promotion is excellent news for the industry, the regulatory system, and most importantly, for patients who depend on safe, reliable, and scientifically validated medical devices.” Stated Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD
Mr Nath added ‘ It is now essential that these officers be deployed across the country in zonal and field offices and entrusted with portfolios that make full use of their training, expertise and skills. This will maximize their impact on regulatory audits, patient safety and industry facilitation’
