Dr Raghuvanshi To Continue as DCGI Amidst Search For Successor, 18 Candidates Vie For Top Post

Despite multiple deadline extensions, the Ministry of Health has received 18 applications for the post. However, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has been asked for additional time to complete the selection process. On January 17, the ministry issued a memorandum titled “Re-employment of Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on contract basis,” notifying the tenure extension.

Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, who is set to retire on February 28, brings extensive experience and expertise in regulatory systems and international pharmaceutical dynamics. The ministry has described him as an “asset” to the organisation and emphasised the necessity of his leadership during this transitional period.

Requesting “considerable time” for the thorough examination of applications, the ministry highlighted that “Dr Raghuvanshi’s in-depth knowledge of industry, government regulatory systems, and international pharmaceutical dynamics is an asset for the organisation.”

The DCGI heads CDSCO, the apex health regulatory body in India, overseeing the regulation of medicines, vaccines, cosmetics, and medical devices, as well as the implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The regulator also plays a pivotal role in establishing national reference standards and ensuring global alignment in regulatory practices.

Why Extend the Current DCGI’s Tenure?

Dr Raghuvanshi took charge as DCGI on February 23, 2023, and also holds the additional charge of secretary-cum-scientific director of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). Anticipating his retirement, the government advertised the DCGI position in August 2024. However, the initial response was insufficient, prompting an extension of the application deadline to November 23.

Also Read: Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi takes charge as new Drugs Controller General of India

As per News18, in total, 18 applications were submitted, but the health ministry noted that the “entire process is likely to take considerable time.” In an office memorandum, it stated, “These applications are being scrutinised. Thereafter, a proposal will be submitted to UPSC for selection of a suitable candidate for the post.”

The Ministry’s Justification

The health ministry has underscored the risks of leaving the position vacant, noting that “keeping the position vacant would adversely impact the industry.” It praised Dr Raghuvanshi’s leadership, stating, “Under his able leadership, substantial reforms have been brought out in CDSCO. At present, further regulatory reforms are being undertaken in CDSCO, which include global benchmarking, automation of the regulatory processes, and alignment with global standards.”

Highlighting the importance of continuity, the memorandum added, “Keeping in view the importance of activities being undertaken by CDSCO, the post cannot be kept vacant as the same would adversely impact the country’s effort to develop a world-class pharmaceutical ecosystem consisting of components from production of affordable quality generics to latest technology-based products like CAR-Ts and gene therapies for India and the world.” It concluded, “Continuity in leadership in CDSCO is, therefore, necessary.”

The ministry has sought the ACC’s approval for Dr Raghuvanshi’s re-employment on a contractual basis for one year.

No Pressure of Deadlines

A senior health ministry official, speaking to News18 on condition of anonymity, revealed that among the 18 candidates are names like Dr VG Somani, Dr A Ramkishan, Dr A Visala, Dr Jai Prakash, and Dr Eswara Reddy. The official stated that “the ministry is going through the work done by all candidates in the past as the position of DCGI has evolved and become very crucial.”

The official also noted, “There are candidates who are currently not eligible to take charge due to certain issues on the personal or legal front. Those candidates are likely to become eligible in a few months to become part of the race. We want to give the charge to the most deserving officer without taking pressure of the deadlines.”