Dr. V. G. Somani has been named Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as of October 31, 2011. India’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has appointed him to the position overseeing the country’s medical device market for a three-month period, or until further notice.

Somani succeeds Dr. Surinder Singh, who will take a position at the National Institute of Biologicals. Singh’s tenure had been extended until March 31, 2012, but that timeframe was cut by the Madras High Court earlier this year. India’s health ministry is currently setting up a new process for DCGI selection, which explains the brevity of Somani’s appointment.

Somani previously served as deputy drugs controller for the East Zone in Kolkata.