Centre to fund modern drug testing laboratory in J-K

The Centre has assured Jammu and Kashmir government to fund establishment of a modern drug testing laboratory of international standard here, Union Joint Secretary Health and Family Welfare, A K Ponda has said.
"The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry will provide funds for establishment of modern drug testing Laboratory of International standard at Srinagar," Ponda said during a meeting with state Health Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan here yesterday.
The meeting, which was also attended by Drug Controller General G N Singh and other senior Officers of Union Health Ministry and State Health Department, discussed several issues related to strengthening of Drug and Food Testing Laboratories besides ensuring supply of quality drugs to the state, an official spokesman said.

The Health Minister said the State government has mooted Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) to the Centre for release of funds for strengthen the necessary infrastructure in drug testing Laboratories at Srinagar and Jammu and urged for its early approval.
He said alternate land for setting up of modern Laboratory of international standard at Srinagar would be identified and a proposal for sanction of funds would be submitted to the Union Health Ministry soon.
The Minister also informed the Central team about several measures taken by the State government for improvement of healthcare facilities in the State under State and Centre Plans.