India: Department of Pharmaceuticals Proposes National Authority for Drugs and Therapeutics (NADT)

In July 2011, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has proposed to create the National Authority of Drugs and Therapeutics (NADT). This proposal aims to integrate the offices of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The objective is to bring all three organizations under the supervision of one overarching governing body for better coordination.

A draft proposal is currently being finalized by the DoP. The DoP has yet to consult the stakeholders on the formation of the new NADT. Further details of the proposal will be disclosed upon draft completion. The draft is likely to be discussed at a sub-committee meeting on regulatory affairs involving representatives of the departments of Health, Health Research, Biotechnology, Science and Technology, and Planning Commission.

It is still unclear how the introduction of the NADT would affect the proposed Central Drug Authority (CDA) currently also under deliberation.