Inaugurated but ineffective:Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) still non functional due to staff shortage
Bhubaneswar ( KCN) :
The Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) at Gothapatana , Bhubaneswar, inaugurated in 2024 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, was envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility to test drug samples collected by Drugs Inspectors.
The Inaugural ceremony was also physically attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mr Mohan charan Majhi, Health minister Dr Mukesh Mahalinga, Ekamra MLA Mr Babu singh & other dignitaries & officials
Union health minister Mr JP Nadda also addressed the meeting virtually
The primary objective of the laboratory was to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines for the public.
However, despite the inauguration and the critical role the facility is meant to serve, the CDTL Bhubaneswar, along with the CDSCO Zonal Office, remains non-functional. This unfortunate situation is primarily attributed to a lack of adequate administrative attention and support from the Government of India.
Instead of appointing a full complement of staff—including a Director-level officer, Pharmaceutical Scientists, Biochemists, and Microbiologists—only a single Drugs Inspector has been posted to the facility. Consequently, the laboratory remains closed most of the time, failing to serve its intended purpose.
This underutilization represents a significant setback in the nation’s efforts to strengthen drug regulation and public health safety in Eastern India. Immediate steps are required to operationalize the laboratory by ensuring proper staffing, infrastructure, and logistical support to uphold the objectives set forth during its inauguration.
people of odisha urge the hon’ble Prime Minister & Union health minister to take immediate steps to appoint the required technical and administrative staff to the newly inaugurated drug testing laboratory. Infrastructure alone is not enough..
Without adequate human resources, the laboratory can’t serve it’s intended purpose of ensuring drug quality & public safety
A fully functional drug testing laboratory is crucial for safeguarding public health, cracking down on sub standard medicines & upholding regulatory standards
At last intellectuals & Members of civil society call upon both the central and state government to act swiftly & ensure that the functioning becomes operational in it’s true sense