The Andhra Pradesh government has strengthened its drug regulation system by launching 11 new Drug Control Offices across the state. Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav inaugurated the new buildings virtually from Mangalagiri. The government spent ₹11 crore on these facilities to improve public health services and tighten oversight on drug quality. Moreover, the minister said the expanded network will help the state act quickly against substandard and counterfeit medicines.

Better Infrastructure to Improve Testing Capacity

Satyakumar Yadav explained that drug offices had previously worked from rented spaces, which created several operational challenges. Now, the dedicated buildings offer improved infrastructure and remove those hurdles. Each year, officials collect nearly 4,000 drug samples for testing. Additionally, new laboratories will add capacity for another 3,000 samples. Although the expansion helps, the state still aims to reach its target of 9,000 more samples annually. A new state drug lab in Vijayawada will further support this goal by enabling 10,000 additional tests every year. The minister also stressed the need to eliminate faulty and expired medicines from the market to safeguard public health.

Govt to Address Staff Shortage and Licensing Violations

Satyakumar Yadav stated that the government will soon resolve staff shortages through the Medical Services Recruitment Board. During recent inspections, officials discovered that many pharmacies lacked valid licences. Shockingly, 148 out of 152 shops were operating without approval. Consequently, the minister warned that any corruption or violation—from officials or pharmacy owners—will attract strict action.

New Offices to Strengthen Public Safety

With these 11 new Drug Control Offices, the Drug Control Administration can expand its reach more effectively. The facilities will streamline inspections, licensing, and renewal procedures at the local level. As a result, officials expect a significant reduction in counterfeit drugs and unlicensed medical sales. Ultimately, these centres will improve quality checks, strengthen public safety, and support the government’s commitment to better healthcare delivery across the state.

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Alckmin, also Brazil’s Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, will hold the inaugural Trade Ministerial Review Meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on October 16. He will be accompanied by Cabinet ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation.

During the visit, Alckmin will meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho to discuss military cooperation and defence industrial collaboration. He is also scheduled to meet Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri.

Alckmin will attend the India-Brazil Business Forum and visit the All India Institute of Ayurveda. Brazil is India’s largest trade partner in South America, with bilateral trade reaching $12.19 billion in 2024-25. Both nations aim to raise trade to $20 billion in five years, focusing on pharmaceuticals, chemicals, MSMEs, and other sectors.

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Jaishankar highlighted cooperation in digital transformation, renewable energy, food and health security, and climate action. He said the partnership can strengthen a balanced, multipolar world order and benefit both India and SICA nations.

He discussed India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which enables secure, real-time cashless transactions. India’s private sector is ready to invest in agriculture, IT, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals in SICA countries, using India’s historical expertise.

He recalled India’s support during the Covid pandemic and storms that damaged infrastructure. India provided vaccines, relief materials, and emergency aid. Jaishankar said India will continue strengthening public health systems, affordable healthcare, and regional resilience.

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