DCOIWA backs Telangana’s plan for integrated Food Safety and Drug Control Authority
HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Officers (India) Welfare Association (DCOIWA) has welcomed the Telangana government’s reported plan to create an integrated Food Safety and Drug Control Administration under a single leadership. The association said the move can strengthen public health regulation if the government provides enough staff, infrastructure and resources.
Unified system can improve enforcement
In a statement issued on July 5, 2026, DCOIWA National President G Koteshwar Rao said India needs stronger coordination to tackle food adulteration, counterfeit medicines, misuse of pharmaceutical products and the growing narcotics threat.
He said Telangana’s recent push to increase food safety inspections and improve coordination between the Food Safety and Drug Control departments shows the need for a stronger regulatory system.
Integration should protect specialised roles
The association said the government should support the new system with adequate manpower, modern laboratories, digital monitoring, legal support, specialised training and operational independence.
It said the integration should make both departments more effective while protecting their specialised responsibilities.
DCOIWA offers technical support
DCOIWA said it has long supported a stronger and professionally managed regulatory system across the country. The association noted that several states have already adopted integrated Food Safety and Drug Control departments with positive results. It said proper planning and adequate resources can help such a model improve public service.
Rao congratulated the Telangana government for starting discussions on strengthening public health regulation. He also said DCOIWA is ready to share its expertise and best practices. The association said it wants to help build a transparent, efficient and citizen-focused regulatory system that protects public health.
