Govt to set up drugs watchdog

The minister said during his recent visit to the US, he had a one-hour discussion with the US Food and Drug Commissioner.

In the first phase, the ministry will initiate measures to replicate the mechanisms operational in the US-FDA. In the second phase, they will tie up with the US-FDA, he said.

Referring to the recent controversy relating to cosmetic products — especially baby products — he said there is a need to enforce standards and ensure proper labeling.

With newer inventions and newer diseases, there is also a need to look at regulation for blood safety, stem cells banks, cosmetics and medical devices.

A range of issues from product claims by cosmetic companies to regulation of clinical trials will, meanwhile, be taken up at a meeting of central and state officials that started today.

Inaugurating the two-day meeting, Ramadoss said it will look at Schedule Y of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act that deals with clinical trials and quality control of ayurvedic formulations.