Gujarat Chamber urges Health Ministry to simplify licensing for optical industry

Surat, July 27 (KNN) The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has appealed to the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to simplify the licensing and compliance requirements for optical industry under the purview of the New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Act, 2022.

The chamber in a letter requested the minister to keep the optical devices, contact lenses and cleaning solutions out of the purview of the act till processes are simplified.

GCCI president Pathik Patwari highlighted that the optical industry largely consists of small scale traders and retailers, and as per the existing documentation requirements, it is very difficult for opticians to obtain licence under the act.

“We believe that many of the documents are uncalled for and should not be insisted upon for the licensing process,” the letter said.

Earlier this month, the health ministry unveiled a new Bill to replace the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.  (KNN Bureau)