Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission secretary-cum-scientific director Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi was on February 22 appointed the new Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), according to an official order.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had last month recommended his name for the post of DCGI. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, to the post of Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO),” the ACC order said. It said the appointment will be in effect from the date he assumes charge till he attains the age of superannuation on February 28, 2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

He succeeds Dr V G Somani whose extended tenure ended on February 15, and Dr P B N Prasad was given the charge of the post from February 16 to 28. Dr Somani was appointed DCGI for a term of three years on August 14, 2019 and he took charge on August 16. His tenure was extended twice-on August 16 and November 16, 2022 — for three months each.

The DCGI heads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) which is responsible for ensuring quality drugs supply across the country. It also has authority to give approval to new drugs and regulating clinical trials.