Hubballi, Ballari to get sterility testing facility

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shivanand B Patil directed officials on Saturday for setting up a full-fledged sterility testing facility in Hubballi and Ballari districts.

The minister was on a surprise visit to the drug controllers' office in the city on Friday. He also visited the drug testing laboratory, HPLC, antibiotic and sterility testing Laboratory. At the time of inspection, the minister was told that the samples from Hubballi and Ballari were also sent to the city as they lacked the facility in those districts.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation presently has been given one room in the drug controllers' office. The minister said that based on the need, additional space would be provided.

The minister promised the officials to fill vacant posts in the drugs control department. He said there was a need to look into the recruitment of staff for 10 different cadres in the department.