What is the primary responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

The primary responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to ensure the review and approval of new drugs before they can be marketed and prescribed. This involves a comprehensive evaluation process where the safety, efficacy, and quality of a drug are assessed based on scientific data obtained from preclinical studies and clinical trials. The FDA works to protect public health by making sure that only safe and effective drugs are available to consumers.

While overseeing pharmacy practice standards, administering Medicare services, and regulating dietary supplements are all important aspects of health and safety, they do not encompass the fundamental mission of the FDA related to drug approval. The agency's focus on drug review plays a crucial role in public health by preventing unsafe or ineffective medications from reaching the market.