Health Ministry Appoints 22 Inspectors for Medical Devices Rules Implementation

New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health and Family Welfare, has notified the appointment of 22 drug inspectors (medical devices) as inspectors for the purpose of the implementation of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, throughout India.

The notification, issued vide S.O. 2945(E) on June 3, 2026, has been made in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 21 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The following Drugs Inspectors (Medical Devices) are appointed as Inspectors for the purpose of the said Act for the whole of India for implementation of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, namely:—

The notification further states that the inspectors so appointed are authorised to exercise the powers and perform the duties specified under Sections 21 and 22 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 made thereunder. The notification was issued by Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Commenting on the development, Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), said, "It took 7 years, but 22 science and engineering regulators are finally notified as drug inspectors instead of just HQ file evaluators. Their skills have been underutilized for too long."

Further, he added, "This is a start, yet India needs 10x-100x this capacity. Global best practice is clear: medical devices must be regulated separately from drugs, under a distinct framework. That requires competent regulators with engineering backgrounds."

"Posting these officers to Zonal offices will ensure manufacturers and field regulators gain from their expertise on the ground. We cannot ensure patient safety if complex devices continue to be overseen by inspectors with only pharmacy training," he said.