In a strategic development, the zonal office of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Ahmedabad was recognised with the certification of ISO 9001:2008 standards making it the first ISO certified national regulatory body in the country. This move comes as huge recognition for the ongoing efforts of the zonal office for maintaining a high level of work ethics and transparency while delivering its services to its customers.
The certification is validitated to CDSCO, Ahmedabad for a period of three years starting from February 16, 2015 following a audit by external auditor TUV Rheinland Cert GmbH, Deutsche on February 10. It is understood that to maintain the certification the Zonal office will have to undergo an audit every year.
Dr S Eswara Reddy deputy drugs controller of India CDSCO, Ahmedabad informed that for a government office to undergo an external audit is rare and that proves his offices commitment to ensure a hassle free and world class services. “We have been consistently working towards nurturing and developing our organisational skills to match the best in the world. This certification further stands as a testament for the same, wherein it will give assurance and confidence to all the stakeholders both nationally and internationally on the effectiveness and efficacy of our work.”
He further informed that following this accreditation the drugs controlled general of India Dr G N Singh has expressed interest and advised other zonal offices as well to undergo the certification process.
The ISO certification was granted to the DDC’s office for its ability to work as an organisation that has the core competency to ensure public satisfaction through delivery of services that consistently meet their requirements. They were also judged for their commitment to ensure continual improvement in system and services, improved risk management through greater consistency and traceability of services. Most importantly, their role in improving operational efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation by encouraging well-defined and documented procedures, were also noted.
Standardisation of all the procedures and the uniform implementation of the law, above all customer satisfaction has been the key factors that helped in getting this recognition added Dr Reddy.
Incidentally, Gujarat FDCA was the first recipient of this certification back in 2009, which however seize to exist now due to failure in renewing the same.