CDSCO stands for Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. It is the national regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India, functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Key Functions of CDSCO:
Approval of New Drugs: Grants permission for the import, manufacture, and marketing of new drugs.
Clinical Trials Regulation: Authorizes and monitors clinical trials in India.
Import and Export Licensing: Issues licenses for the import and export of drugs and cosmetics.
Quality Control: Ensures that drugs and medical devices meet quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions: Oversees pharmacovigilance activities to track drug safety.
Medical Device Regulation: Supervises the classification, registration, and quality control of medical devices.
Why CDSCO is Important:
Protects public health by regulating drug and medical device safety.
Ensures only approved and quality-tested products reach the market.
Plays a central role in combating counterfeit and substandard drugs.