Panel set up by the Modi government to create a fresh law on drugs and cosmetics has been given till

December 18, 2021: The panel set up by the Narendra Modi administration to create new rules for drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices has been given a three-month extension to submit its draught paper. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had previously requested that the panel produce the draught text by November 30.

The committee has previously conducted pre-legislative consultations and assessed the current Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, in light of the amendments that the federal government has mandated. However, the process of writing a draught paper is still in progress.

The current legislation governs the import, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, according to India's apex regulating organisation, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). It was recently updated to include medical gadgets. The order, titled 'Constitution of Committee for Framing of New Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices Act,' was signed on August 27 and established an eight-member body to rewrite the legislation.

Because it was enacted in 1940, the present Act is utterly outdated. It has been amended several times since 1940. For the industry, it has suddenly become extremely perplexing and ambiguous. But creating such a group without representation from other stakeholders like as manufacturers, doctors, universities, scientists, and consumer or patient organisations is a massive conflict of interest.

The consultation procedure has been completed. The members, on the other hand, requested an extension to finish the draught paper. The ministry, in turn, granted the extension, which will last until February.

-Sarthak Dixit