NIB Noida notified as Central Drugs Laboratory to test COVID vaccines
New Delhi: In major public interest, with the aim of regulating the testing of the COVID-19 vaccine for prevention and management of COVID-19 infection, the Union Health Ministry has directed that the National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, in addition to its existing functions, to perform the function of a Central Drugs Laboratory as an additional facility in respect of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to this, through the notification it has also been directed that the functions of the Director in respect of COVID-19 vaccine shall be exercised by the Director of the National Institute of Biologicals, Noida.
The notification stated that, whereas the Central Government is satisfied that making available suitable COVID-19 vaccines is essential to meet the requirements of an emergency arising due to the pandemic COVID-19, therefore, in the public interest, it is necessary and expedient to regulate the testing of COVID-19 vaccine for prevention and management of COVID-19 infection.
Furthermore, the notification added that the Central Government, in consultation with the Drugs Controller (India), is of the considered view that the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine must not get affected and the vaccine must remain available to the public.
Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 6 and 26B read with section 33P of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 1940) and rule 3 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, the Central Government, has directed that the National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, in addition to its existing functions shall perform the function of Central Drugs Laboratory as an additional facility in respect of COVID-19 vaccine and the functions of the Director in respect of COVID-19 vaccine shall be exercised by the Director of the said Institute.
Further, it is stated that in case of any inconsistency between this notification and any rule made under the said Act, the provisions of this notification shall prevail over such rule in public interest so as to meet the requirements of emergency which have arisen due to COVID-19 pandemic.
This order shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and the notification shall remain into force for a period up to 30th November, 2022.
To view the official notice click the link below:
