Kerala Drug Control Dept to Achieve Full Digitization for Faster, Efficient Services

Currently, the department provides online services for drug sale licenses, manufacturing licenses, and medical device registrations.

The Kerala Drug Control Department is on the path to achieving complete digitization of its services as the state’s health department plans to integrate digital technologies across all service areas.

Recent developments include a specialized training program for drug regulatory officers, organized under the leadership of Health Secretary Rajan Khobragade, who aims to enhance the department's operational efficiency through innovation.

Currently, the department provides online services for drug sale licenses, manufacturing licenses, and medical device registrations.

The health department believes expanding digitization will significantly boost service capacity, performance, and efficiency, enabling faster delivery of critical services.

New Services to Go Online Soon

According to Drug Controller Dr K Sujith Kumar, the department has partnered with the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) to digitize two additional service areas: the allocation of medicines to Recognized Medical Institutions (RMIs) and the permitting process for blood storage centers.

These services are expected to go online within the next two months. Currently, applications and permits for blood storage centers are processed manually, resulting in delays.

The shift to an online system, scheduled for December, will allow applications to be submitted and processed digitally, saving time and costs for applicants.

Another area set for digital transformation is the allocation of morphine tablets to Kerala’s 430 palliative care units. Currently, these units rely on monthly supplies from a designated hospital in Ernakulam.

With the new digital system, these centers will be able to source medicines from nearby district hospitals, improving accessibility and reducing logistical challenges.

Training Programs to Support Transition

The health department recently conducted a training program attended by the Drug Controller, a deputy drug controller, seven assistant drug controllers, six regional drug inspectors, and 47 drug inspectors.

This initiative is aimed at equipping officials with the necessary skills to manage the transition effectively.

Health Secretary Khobragade has also announced plans for a follow-up training session in six months to ensure smooth implementation of the digital systems.

The move to fully digitize the Kerala Drug Control Department underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.

By enhancing efficiency and reducing manual interventions, these measures are expected to benefit both regulatory officers and healthcare providers across the state.

Stay tuned for much such updates on Digital Health News.