A Tuesday directive from the Union Health Ministry prolonged Dr V. G. Somani’s tenure as the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) chief by three months.
According to a statement from the Health Ministry, “Dr V. G. Somani shall continue to hold the charge of the post of Drug Controller of (India) under FR 49(v) for a term of three months beginning on August 16, 2022, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
On August 14, 2019, Dr Somani was appointed DCGI for a three-year tenure.
In the month of February, the government invited new applications for the position of the next DCGI. The current DCGI, VG Somani, was supposed to leave office on August 15.
The DCGI is in charge of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which is in charge of ensuring the quality of drug supply throughout the country. It also has the authority to approve new drugs and to oversee clinical trials.
Throughout the pandemic, the incumbent DCGI has played a critical role in combating the covid-19 pandemic, from the approval of covid-19 vaccines to the approval of lifesaving drugs and ensuring their quality.
