Niti Aayog’s FDA Like Body
Niti Aayog, the Indian government’s advisory body, has proposed the creation of a single organization as a regulator for drugs and food. Currently, drugs are being looked after by the CDSCO, while FSSAI is the apex food regulator.
According to reports, the Niti Aayog has recommended that the new body should be in line with the US FDA and headed by an IAS officer of the rank of additional secretary to the Government of India’s Ministry of Health.
The report suggests that the idea mooted by the Niti Aayog has been tabled before the Prime Minister’s Office, which in principle has agreed to it.
Niti Aayog’s FDA Like Body- Why Is It Important?
Niti Aayog officials state that the restructuring of the regulatory bodies is an essential step in streamlining the work and coordination on the ground, as matters related to food and drug at many levels overlap like nutraceuticals, health foods, dietary supplement, unique food and food for medical purpose.
Meanwhile, it is appropriate to mention here that the Parliamentary Committee on Health last year suggested a uniform mechanism to streamline the matter related to food safety through a single body.
The committee noted that
there was no uniformity in the food safety infrastructure across the country. Some states do not even have a food safety department and a food safety appellate tribunal. The food testing laboratories lack functional equipment as well as the technical workforce. This inadequate arrangement has failed to control food adulteration in the country.Niti Aayog’s FDA Like Body- Is FDA Like Body Feasible In India?
Lohani said that if the government takes such a decision, the federation will welcome it. But the single body should be unanimous when it comes to food, which is currently looked after by different departments or ministries. Like BIS and Legal Metrology come under consumer affairs department while the main body dealing with food safety and standards, FSSAI, comes under Health Ministry.
Will This Be A Right Step By The Government?
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