The Drug Controller of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Sharma, is scheduled to visit Kashmir on April 18 to review the functioning of the Drug and Food Control Organisation and assess on-ground arrangements across the Valley.
The visit comes at a time when the department is grappling with several administrative and regulatory challenges that have impacted its overall efficiency. Notably, multiple districts are currently functioning without designated heads, while several key state-level positions remain vacant, affecting supervision, enforcement, and timely decision-making.
Official sources said the Drug Controller is expected to take stock of these issues during his visit and may issue necessary directions to streamline operations and strengthen the regulatory framework. The move is being viewed as an attempt to address long-pending structural deficiencies within the department.
The visit had earlier been scheduled for April 10 but was deferred due to the officer’s engagement in high-level meetings related to preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
Sources within the department said that key concerns likely to be discussed include shortage of field staff, delays in inspections, gaps in drug quality monitoring, and the need for better coordination between district and central offices. There is also growing concern over strengthening surveillance mechanisms to curb the circulation of substandard and unregulated pharmaceutical products.
Stakeholders have expressed hope that the visit will result in concrete measures, particularly in filling vacant posts and improving administrative accountability. Strengthening the department is being seen as critical to ensuring public safety and maintaining confidence in the healthcare system.
Further updates are expected following the visit.
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