Addressing the discussion, Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said establishing such an office will synchronize efforts in administration and control of the food, drug, and health professionals, and health institutions in the country that remains unsystematic and centralized so far.

The new bill, said to have been prepared based on the on-going reform program launched in the health sector, will improve efficiency in food and drug administration and control, and thereby raise clientele satisfaction in the sector, according to the minister.

Dr. Tewodros said the new bill aims at identifying food and drug administration and control activities due to be carried out at federal and regional levels in order to improve efficiency and avoid duplication of efforts in the sector.

The minister said administration and control of animal drug and veterinary service has already been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with a view to boosting animal resources production and productivity in the country.

The discussion attracted more than 300 participants including students and instructors from higher learning institutions, pharmacies, drug importers and distributors, and other pertinent bodies.