Health Ministry to rename CDSCO

The Union Health Ministry is in the process of receiving suggestions for renaming the country's drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in line with its expanded roles.

The name CDSCO was given keeping its role when it was created, but the present nomenclature does not seem to be reflecting its roles and responsibilities.

The role of CDSCO has expanded to several areas, including regulation of new drugs, vaccines and clinical trials, all imports pertaining to drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, Central Licensing Approval Authority for blood banks and vaccines, setting of standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, among others.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) had previously recommended renaming CDSCO as Indian Drugs Administration, or Indian Medical Products Administration.