SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Wednesday, directed the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to submit monthly reports detailing actions taken against violations and activities carried out across Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasised the need for strict regulatory enforcement to safeguard public health.
Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister assessed the performance of the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO). She urged the organisation to adopt a proactive approach in monitoring the pharmaceutical and food supply chains throughout the Union Territory.
“Public health is a non-negotiable priority. There must be no compromise when it comes to the quality of medicines and food items reaching our citizens,” the Minister stated.
She directed officials to intensify inspections, particularly targeting unlicensed pharmacies, and to take stringent action against unregistered outlets. She also instructed coordination with the Social Welfare and Education departments for organising awareness camps and workshops about spurious and substandard drugs.
Sakeena Itoo further called for enhanced collaboration between DFCO and law enforcement agencies to crack down on violations effectively. She stressed the importance of regular capacity-building workshops for inspectors and field officers to align with evolving regulatory standards.
Reviewing broader aspects of DFCO’s functioning, the Minister advocated for regular upgradation of testing laboratories and tighter checks on blood banks and storage facilities. She also highlighted the need for accelerated integration of digital systems to improve transparency, reporting, and grievance redress mechanisms.
Commissioner FDA, Smita Sethi, presented a detailed overview of the organisation’s achievements and ongoing initiatives during the meeting. The session was also attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director Finance of the department; State Drug Controller; and other concerned officials.
