The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Goa has appointed Swetha Savindra Desai as its new director. She informed Pharmabiz that Goa does not require risk-based inspections, as all major pharmaceutical companies in the state hold approvals from the US FDA and MHRA. They comply with the Revised Schedule M norms.

According to media reports, the Goa government promoted her from deputy director to director-in-charge of the FDA On August 1, 2024. Prior to her promotion Ms Desai had been working as the drug control administration's deputy director.

Speaking to the media, Ms Desai guaranteed that all medical shops in Goa adhere to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and inspections have confirmed the presence of registered pharmacists.

Discussing the pharmaceutical industry in Goa, Ms Desai mentioned that there are 70 pharma companies, including Ayush, and the FDA also oversees the Ayush department. The FDA has dispatched allopathic drug inspectors to inspect Ayush facilities, further adding that 90% of the companies are fully complying with quality requirements, and claiming that not a single case of a spurious or substandard drug in the state has been detected so far.

Regarding the pharma trade industry, Ms Desai noted that there are 980 retail pharmacies and 380 wholesalers in Goa, all operating properly with registered pharmacists dispensing drugs.

Outlining her future plans for the department, Ms Desai, who holds a postgraduate degree in pharmacology from Goa College of Pharmacy, emphasized that ensuring the efficacy of drugs supplied to the public will be her priority.