12.01.08
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send the first FDA staff to China, India, Europe and Latin America before the end of 2008, according to Michael Leavitt, HHS secretary. The first overseas office will be in China and the first staff will be posted in Beijing this year, with additional staff to follow in 2009. HHS/FDA plans on establishing its second overseas office in the Republic of India, with staff first posting to New Delhi in 2008, and at least one additional office to follow in 2009. Current plans call for 10 U.S. nationals to be posted in India. The U.S. government is in the process of pursuing India’s formal approval. HHS/FDA will also be opening overseas offices in Europe and Latin America before the end of 2008, with a fifth office in the Middle East to follow soon in early to mid-2009.