Issue of Corruption in CDSCO raised in Parliament; Details

New Delhi: The sensitive issue of corruption plaguing every sector including the nodal drug regulatory body, Central Drugs Control Organisation (CDSCO) was discussed in the recently finished Parliament session, wherein, Minister in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed that various measures have been taken for improving transparency and accountability in the system.

The query was raised in light of the recent arrest of Dr Naresh Sharma, Deputy Drug Controller posted at the CDSCO Headquarter, who was suspended following his arrest by the CBI on charges of corruption. Prior to joining CDSCO, Dr Sharma was associated with numerous pharma companies including Dabur, Cadila Pharma, JK Pharmaceuticals.

Also Read: Corruption: CDSCO Deputy Drug controller arrested by CBI, suspended by Health Ministry

The issue was raised during the Lok Sabha session by Sunil Kumar Singh, who asked whether CDSCO has taken any action against a certain company as the said official was arrested for giving approval to a drug manufactured by this company. Kumar further questioned whether CDSCO/his Ministry is planning to cancel the licence of this drug manufacturer as there is a high probability that the previous approvals might also have been acquired in exchange of bribes.

Concluding his questions, the minister finally asked about the steps taken by the Government to curb the corruption in CDSCO in the context of the above-mentioned issue and if the apex drug regulator is planning to investigate all the drugs approved by this official since 2007 as bribes might have been exchanged for approvals.

In response to this, Choubey stated that a press statement has been issued by CDSCO for all stakeholders, public and officers stressing that there is a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and its commitment to act stringently against any act of corruption.

Choubey further said, "The officers and staff of CDSCO are regularly sensitized in this context. Security of the CDSCO Offices has been strengthened with the installation of CCTV cameras at all strategic points to keep a watch over the visitors."

"Action in all such cases is taken as per existing rules, procedures and guidelines," he added.

He also informed that various measures have also been taken for improving transparency and accountability in the system. As part of E-Governance and to reduce human interface, CDSCO has launched a portal www.cdscoonline.gov.in exclusively for filing of applications for their processing and tracking.

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