Vadodara/Ahmedabad, May 19 (Hindustan Times). Gujarat Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel will inaugurate the state-of-the-art Food and Drug Laboratory in Vadodara on May 21 at a cost of Rs 48 crore. After Rajkot and Bhuj, this type of state-of-the-art food and drug laboratory will also become operational in Vadodara. In this way the number of such laboratories in the state will be 3.
The Food and Drug Laboratory in Vadodara is a 10-storey building with an area of about 16,000 square meters. This laboratory was built in the year 1947 during the princely days of Vadodara. Initially it was used as a drugs laboratory. After the development of pharmaceutical industry in Vadodara and its surrounding districts after independence, the government decided to build a new state-of-the-art laboratory at Vadodara. After this, on February 22, 1959, the foundation stone of the old building of this laboratory was laid. It was inaugurated on 1 November 1961.
Western India’s biggest laboratory was in Vadodara
The biggest laboratory of that time in Western India functioned in this old building. Here various technical matters of the Central Government and the work of developing a new method of investigation took place. Drug samples from other states were also tested in this laboratory. At present, this laboratory tests food and drug samples from Gujarat, Jharkhand, Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli, food samples sent by Western Railway, Prohibition and Production Department samples, hospital supplies of the state, besides testing food samples. Samples, food samples are tested under ICDS scheme.
Laboratory prepared on the plan of the next 50 years
Due to the ever-increasing work load in this laboratory, a large space has been arranged for the needs of the next 50 years, modern equipment. Along with the National Testing and Calibration Laboratory Accreditation Board (NABL) rules, this huge building has been constructed by making master planning realizing the concept of green building existing by the government.
Construction of Food and Drug Laboratory in Surat as well
A new laboratory is also being constructed in Surat, located in the southern region of Gujarat, for testing food and drugs. Due to which more and more samples of food and drugs can be tested. Along with this, the problem of delay in sample testing will also be removed.
Gujarat is leading in the field of Pharma
Gujarat is the leading state in the country in the field of Pharma. Apart from pharmaceutical production here, large quantities of packaged food are sent abroad through large units of food processing. Due to this, along with production capacity, it also holds the top position in the testing process. Recently, Rs 1000 crore has been approved by the Central Government for setting up a Bulk Drugs Park in Bharuch. After its formation, the entire Gujarat will move ahead in the field of Pharma at a fast pace.
