The Lady Entrepreneurs Wing of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) recently partnered with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to host a workshop on “Regulatory Requirements of Drug Manufacturing & Food Processing Industries” in Nagpur. The event, held on June 16, 2023, at the VIA Auditorium, aimed to educate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) about essential rules, regulations, and quality management systems (QMS) in the food and drug sectors.
VIALEW Chairperson, Poonam Lala, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, expert speakers, and attendees, emphasizing the workshop’s significance in keeping MSMEs updated on regulatory compliance. During the event, Y Ramani, the former Chairperson of VIALEW and owner of Artefakt Nagpur Dolls, was honored for her artistic dolls permanently displayed at the Art Gallery of the New Parliament House in New Delhi. Ramani expressed gratitude to VIA for their support during her entrepreneurial journey, having garnered multiple awards for her internationally exhibited dolls.
Viraj Paunikar, Joint Commissioner (Drugs) of FDA Nagpur, acknowledged the dedication and hard work of female entrepreneurs and housewives, highlighting the government’s financial backing through various schemes for aspiring women entrepreneurs. He stressed the strict standards and regulations governing the food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, emphasizing their role in fostering success and opportunities.
Dr. P M Ballal, Assistant Commissioner of FDA Nagpur, conducted a session on the FDA’s regulatory role in drug manufacturing and sales. He emphasized the importance of licenses and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to ensure consistent product quality. Rohan Shaha, Assistant Commissioner (Food) of FDA Nagpur, delivered a presentation on the FDA’s involvement in the food processing sector, underscoring the government’s commitment to public safety and the severe penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations.
Amandeep Kaur Sehmi, Founder of Bioexcel Lifesciences & Research, shed light on the criticality of regulatory compliance in drug, medical device, ayurvedic, and cosmetic industries, while also highlighting the variations in requirements across different countries.
The workshop was well-coordinated by Project Directors Manisha Bawankar and Shikha Khare, who introduced speakers and facilitated a Q&A session. Rashmi Kulkarni, Secretary of VIALEW, extended a formal vote of thanks. Additionally, VIA honored Dayashankar Tiwari, the former Mayor of Nagpur, for his recent appointment as an Independent Director of Mahanadi Coal India Limited by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
The event witnessed the presence of several notable figures, including VIA President Vishal Agrawal, Girdhari Mantri, Founder Chairperson Sarala Kamdar, Advisory Committee members Sarita Pawar and Madhubala Singh, past chairpersons, vice chairpersons, professionals from the food processing industry, lady entrepreneurs, startups, and VIA members.