In response to a proposal from the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association (TN CDA), the state government of Tamil Nadu has elevated MN Sridhar, previously serving as the joint director of the Drug Control Administration (DCA), to the director position, now leading the TN DCA department.
MN Sridhar assumed his new responsibilities on December 9. Since July 18 of this year, he had been the designated Licensing and Controlling Authority (SLA and CA) within the department. Sridhar expressed his commitment to supporting both industry and trade, emphasizing that enforcement processes will remain uncompromised.
With a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences (M Pharm) and 32 years of experience in enforcing the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Sridhar brings significant knowledge to the role.
Since July 2022, IAS officers with no pharmaceutical background managed the director position, leading to challenges for pharmaceutical traders and manufacturers as they struggled to communicate their concerns. The TN IDMA had advocated for a senior regulatory officer from within the department to assume the director’s role.
Last month, a delegation from the TN CDA, led by president SA Ramesh, met with Chief Minister MK Stalin to propose appointing a departmental insider to the director position. The association emphasized that only a department-based regulatory officer could effectively manage enforcement activities, ensuring unimpeded pharmaceutical supply and distribution across the state. External appointees, they argued, lacked the scientific understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and trade, vital for safeguarding public health through pharmacological commerce.
Acknowledging the importance of the TN CDA’s request, the government advanced Sridhar to the director rank, according to SA Ramesh, president of TNCDA, who, along with other leaders, briefed the chief minister. Ramesh noted that TN CDA plans to formally honor the new director shortly.
The former TN CDA president, Mannargudi Ramachandran, remarked that Sridhar’s appointment aligned well with government plans for Muthalvar Marunthakam, the upcoming generic pharmacies initiative. He lauded the state for choosing a regulator officer to head drug control administration.
The Tamil Nadu pharmaceutical sector welcomed Sridhar’s elevation with enthusiasm. J Jayaseelan, chair of the TN IDMA, saw the move as positive for the industry. Notably, Sridhar’s tenure saw the realization of the pharma park in Dindivanam, and the sector anticipates his continued support for the proposed API park in Tamil Nadu. The TN IDMA also plans a felicitation soon.
The Tamil Nadu Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TN PMA) president highlighted Sridhar’s deep understanding of the industry, especially regarding the challenges faced by MSME manufacturers.
Dr. S V Veeramani, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) and CMD of Fourrts Lab in Chennai, anticipated Sridhar’s expertise and vast experience to greatly benefit the Tamil Nadu pharmaceutical sector, expressing gratitude for his ongoing support to industry players and budding entrepreneurs.