Goemakpronn desk
PANAJI:
In a significant development, Goa has reported a notable increase in both retail and wholesale licenses, reflecting a vibrant economic landscape. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) India Office has also extended an invitation to Goa FDA to participate as Observer in relevant inspections, indicating heightened cooperation between Indian and American regulatory authorities. Additionally, the state has also made strides in enhancing its drug testing lab infrastructure.
According to recent data released by the state government, the state currently boasts of a total of 996 retail licensees and 374 wholesale licensees. This surge in licensing underscores the growing entrepreneurial spirit and business opportunities in Goa.
In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, Goa witnessed an addition of 90 retail licensees and 35 wholesale licensees, further amplifying its commercial landscape. Moreover, the state continued the impressive growth in the number of retail and wholesale licensees in 2023-24 also, with 61 and 20 new entities added respectively.
Simultaneously, the pharma industry in Goa has seen significant advancements. The state now hosts 56 allopathic manufacturing units, 13 medical devices units, 8 ayurvedic units and 7 cosmetics units, reflecting a robust manufacturing base catering to the healthcare industry’s diverse needs. Most of these facilities are approved by international regulators and export significantly to global markets, in addition to domestic supplies.
Furthermore, Goa has bolstered its medical infrastructure by establishing 5 blood banks and 1 public testing laboratory, underscoring its commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare services for its residents. These facilities play a crucial role in supporting public health initiatives and responding to medical emergencies effectively.
“Goa FDA today has 10 qualified pharmacists for assisting drug inspectors in managing applications on a routine basis and ensuring seamless administrative workflow. The testing lab in Goa is equipped with chemical and microbiological analysis tools and equipment with latest testing facilities, augmented with a team of newly recruited analysts. The testing lab will soon get NABL accreditation towards enhanced compliance and safety,” informs Jyoti J. Sardesai, director and commissioner, Food Safety, Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa.
She further informed that with Goa FDA getting Observer status for inspections with US FDA is the outcome of Goa FDA’s increased familiarity with the US FDA’s inspection process, highlighting the state regulator’s commitment towards ensuring compliance with international standards in the pharmaceutical sector. The collaboration also underscores the mutual interest shared by the US FDA and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization of India (CDSCO) in promoting regulatory transparency and accountability.
