|
In a significant shift that highlights growing female leadership in India's public sector, seven states now boast of women at the helm of their drugs control departments.
These dynamic women drug controllers are not only demonstrating exceptional efficiency, on par with their male counterparts in other states, but are also spearheading robust administrations that are strengthening drug regulation and enforcement. Their impactful leadership is proving instrumental in ensuring the availability of safe and quality medicines, setting a powerful example for gender equality in critical governance roles across the nation.
 In Odisha, Mamina Patnaik, an Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) topper for drug inspector recruitment, currently heads the drug control administration in the state. Her career is marked by a series of groundbreaking ‘firsts’ for women in the state's drug regulatory service.
Joining as Odisha's first woman drug inspector in 1997, Patnaik steadily climbed the ranks, becoming the first woman assistant drug controller (ADC), deputy drug controller (deputy DC), and joint drug controller (JDC). She made history again in 2024 with her elevation to the rank of drug controller (DC), though she had previously held the interim charge of the DC position for a year during the crucial Covid-19 period. After a stint at the state medical services corporation in 2023, Mamina Patnaik was appointed as the regular Drug Controller in 2024, and is set to continue her impactful service until the end of 2030.
 In Jharkhand, Ritu Sahay, a veteran with three decades of experience in drug administration and regulation, currently holds the position of director (drugs) and state drug controller of Jharkhand. She is the first woman officer to lead the state's drug regulatory body, marking a significant milestone in Jharkhand's public service.
Serving a state with a high tribal population and a predominantly consumer-driven market, Sahay's leadership has been defined by a strong focus on collaboration, governance, and outreach. Her core mission is to unify the government, the healthcare ecosystem, and citizens to ensure the timely availability of quality medicines at affordable prices in every remote corner of Jharkhand. To achieve these ambitious goals, she has effectively leveraged automation and ease of doing business initiatives.
Among her notable achievements, Sahay played a pivotal role in expanding the footprint of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to every district across the state. Her significant contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic earned widespread commendation from both the state government and citizen forums.
Beyond crisis management, Sahay has spearheaded crucial development projects. She initiated the ambitious task of augmenting the existing drug testing laboratory and establishing a new one under a robust capacity-building programme. More recently, she has been instrumental in conceptualizing and launching a major state government health initiative, the creation of multi-approach medicine centres at the Panchayat level. Furthermore, Sahay is a strong advocate for raising awareness about drug misuse, working closely with the Department of Home and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to actively curb the menace of drug intoxication.
 In Ladakh, Nasreen Bano, a resident of Leh and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) graduate, commenced her impactful regulatory career as a drug inspector in 2009. Demonstrating consistent excellence, she swiftly rose through the ranks, and on May 19, 2023, was appointed as the controlling authority/assistant controller of drugs for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Currently serving as both the controlling and licensing authority for Ladakh, Bano is widely recognized for her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to public health, and transformative contributions to the UT's drug regulatory ecosystem.
Beyond her primary role, Bano also serves as the Registrar of the recently constituted Ladakh UT Pharmacy Council. In an interview with Pharmabiz, she highlighted the council's achievement of registering 800 pharmacy diploma and degree holders, a figure that includes former medical assistant certificate holders. Driven by a commitment to local education and workforce development, she has forwarded a proposal to the government to establish pharmacy courses within the Union Territory, aiming to empower local youth and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
 In Jammu and Kashmir, Lotika Khajuria, the dynamic drug controller of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a significant role model for women regulatory officers across India.
Having held the rank of drug controller since 2015, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to ensure the availability of quality drugs throughout Jammu and Kashmir, a commitment that predates the region's bifurcation in 2019.
A postgraduate in Pharmacy (M. Pharm) from Nagpur University, Khajuria brings an impressive 34 years of experience to her current role, having served as a regulatory officer in various capacities since joining as a drug inspector. Her extensive career has provided her with a deep understanding of drug administration and regulation. In addition to her responsibilities as drug controller, she also serves as the Registrar of the Union Territory's Pharmacy Council, further solidifying her pivotal role in safeguarding public health in J&K.
 In Goa, Shweta Savindra Desai, a veteran with 17 years of service in Goa's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), assumed the pivotal role of director of FDA and Commissioner of Food Safety in August 2024. With 14 years of service still ahead, she is poised to make a significant impact on public health in the state.
In a conversation with Pharmabiz, Desai emphasized her primary focus on enhancing the quality of public service through effective administration. Under her leadership, the department is actively implementing various measures to curb the menace of spurious and counterfeit drugs, alongside tackling the misuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS). Shweta is a postgraduate in Pharmacology from Goa College of Pharmacy.
 In Tripura, Kanchana Sinha, the current drug controller of Tripura, is a pioneering figure in the state's drug administration, having served the department since her appointment as a drug inspector in 1988. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first woman drug inspector in Tripura.
Although she officially retired from service in April of this year, the Tripura government has recognized her invaluable expertise by granting her a six-month extension, effective from May 2025. This extension underscores her critical role in the state's public health landscape.
A graduate in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, Sinha has been instrumental in implementing various measures to combat the pervasive issue of interstate distribution of spurious drugs in Tripura. Beyond her core regulatory duties, she has also dedicated 15 years to serving as the chairperson of the Sexual Harassment Committee within the health and family welfare department of Tripura, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a safe and equitable work environment.
 In Meghalaya, Aurelia Rela Kharwanlang is the current drug controller of Meghalaya, a state in North East India. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Dibrugarh University in Assam.
Kharwanlang joined the drug control department 26 years ago and was appointed as the Drug Controller in 2024. She is notable for being the first female drug regulator in Meghalaya's history. She is slated to retire from service in 2028.
|