India to Strengthen AYUSH Drug

Panel Backs Unified AYUSH Drug Regulator

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has made a significant proposal aimed at enhancing the standardization and regulation of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) drugs. 

The committee has recommended consolidating all AYUSH drug-related standards under a single, independent drug controller, aligning this initiative with the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. 

This step is seen as crucial for streamlining processes and improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of AYUSH drug regulation.

Formation of an Independent Drug Controller for AYUSH

The committee advocates for the creation of an independent regulatory body dedicated solely to overseeing the standards for AYUSH drugs. 

This new body would work in coordination with existing organizations such as the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). 

By establishing this independent body, the committee hopes to ensure uniformity and consistency in the quality, safety, and efficacy of AYUSH products. The aim is to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures that AYUSH drugs are manufactured and marketed with the same standards of quality as allopathic medicines.

Enhanced Stakeholder Involvement in Standardisation

The committee has emphasized the importance of including stakeholders in the development of pharmacopoeial standards. 

This inclusive approach would allow for a broader range of perspectives, ensuring that the development of standards is comprehensive and addresses the needs of various practitioners and experts within the AYUSH sector. 

Involving stakeholders such as researchers, practitioners, regulatory bodies, and industry players is expected to significantly improve the overall quality and reliability of AYUSH products.

Expanding the Reach of AYUSH Initiatives

While AYUSH has gained recognition in India, the committee has identified that its initiatives, such as the Arogya Fair and Ayurveda Parv, have yet to reach their full potential. The committee notes that the geographical reach of these initiatives remains insufficient given the vastness of India. 

To address this, it has recommended that 50% of states be targeted in the coming year to promote and expand these initiatives. This would increase awareness of AYUSH practices, promote preventive healthcare, and raise public consciousness regarding the benefits of traditional medicine.

Effective Awareness and Education Campaigns

To enhance the visibility and understanding of AYUSH systems, the committee stresses the importance of effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns. 

These campaigns should primarily focus on rural and underserved areas, where knowledge of AYUSH practices is often limited. Promoting the preventive and therapeutic benefits of AYUSH therapies through targeted campaigns can encourage more people to adopt these practices for their overall health and well-being. 

The committee has called for strengthening awareness efforts, ensuring that they are tailored to local communities and accessible to people across India.

International Collaboration and Promotion of AYUSH

The committee has also recognized the growing global interest in traditional medicine, especially in first-world countries. It recommends that the Ministry of AYUSH collaborate with international stakeholders to promote AYUSH among both the Indian diaspora and local populations in these countries. 

The ministry is urged to develop strategic marketing campaigns to increase AYUSH’s global presence, positioning it as an alternative healthcare system. One specific initiative is to focus on healthcare travel to India, where people can come to explore AYUSH treatments. 

By promoting AYUSH globally, India can solidify its position as a leader in traditional medicine.

Investment in Research and Development for AYUSH

Research and evidence-based validation play a crucial role in the acceptance and effectiveness of AYUSH practices. The committee has called for enhanced research and development (R&D) to validate the safety and efficacy of AYUSH drugs. 

This includes conducting studies and collecting comprehensive data on the quality control of these medicines. With a stronger evidence base, public trust in AYUSH systems can be bolstered, and the acceptance of these therapies can be significantly improved both within India and internationally.

Human Resource Development for AYUSH

The development of skilled human resources in the AYUSH sector is vital for the growth of these systems. The committee suggests that the Ministry of AYUSH create long-term strategies for human resource management to ensure a sufficient number of trained professionals in the sector. 

This would involve establishing training programs for doctors, researchers, and technicians working in the field of traditional medicine. By investing in human resources, the committee believes that the AYUSH sector will be better equipped to meet the growing demand for its services and products.

Collaboration with the WHO for Global Acceptance

The World Health Organization (WHO) is playing an increasingly important role in the global recognition and promotion of traditional medicine. 

The committee has expressed its support for WHO's establishment of the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, India, and encourages further collaboration with the global health body. 

Strengthening ties with the WHO can help AYUSH gain broader global acceptance, facilitating the integration of traditional medicine practices into the global healthcare system. This partnership will also support research, policy development, and standardization efforts at the international level.