At a time when the Government is aggressively pursuing its “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign, concerns are mounting over the prolonged vacancies in several key positions within the Drug and Food Control Organisation, the department responsible for regulating pharmaceutical activities and monitoring drug distribution across the Union Territory.
According to Drug Controller J&K Rajesh Kumar, several important posts linked to enforcement, intelligence, licensing and regulatory supervision have remained vacant for years, while many eligible officials have been awaiting promotions for nearly four years. The delays, officials say, have affected the overall functioning of the department and increased the workload on existing staff.
Among the major vacancies are two posts of Deputy Drug Controller Jammu, Deputy Drug Controller Srinagar, President Pharmacy Council, Deputy Drug Controller Intelligence, Nodal Officer MTDL Laboratory, Licence Authority Wholesale Jammu, Licence Authority Wholesale Kashmir and Licence Authority Manufacturing Units J&K.
Officials and stakeholders associated with the pharmaceutical sector believe that timely filling of these posts is essential for strengthening regulatory oversight, improving field inspections and ensuring effective implementation of drug control measures across Jammu & Kashmir.
During a recent press conference, Health Minister Sakina Itoo had assured that all genuine demands related to vacancies in the Drug Department would be addressed on a priority basis. She said the Government was committed to strengthening the healthcare and drug regulatory system in the larger public interest.
While speaking to Mission India in an interview, the Minister said that concerns raised by the chemist fraternity and the long-pending vacancies in the department would be taken up seriously and resolved in a time-bound manner.
Members of the chemist fraternity welcomed the Minister’s assurance and expressed hope that the pending issues would now receive due attention from the Government.
The delegation also appreciated the support and cooperation extended by Health Secretary M. Raju and acknowledged the continued coordination of Drug Controller J&K Rajesh Kumar in addressing issues concerning the department.
Stakeholders said strengthening the Drug and Food Control Organisation is crucial for effective monitoring and regulation, particularly at a time when the Government is intensifying efforts against drug abuse and illegal narcotic activities in Jammu & Kashmir.
Comments are closed.