(a) whether the Government are formulating a comprehensive programme to promote Ayurvedic Herbal medicines;
(b) if so, the efforts made so far in this regard; and
(c) the funds earmarked for the purpose?
(a) whether the Government are formulating a comprehensive programme to promote Ayurvedic Herbal medicines;
(b) if so, the efforts made so far in this regard; and
(c) the funds earmarked for the purpose?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (PROF. RITA VERMA)
(a) & (b) The Government has already taken following measures to promote Ayurvedic medicine:
(i) Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee has developed pharmacopoeial standards of 258 Ayurvedic drugs of plant origin.
(ii) 385 single drugs of plant origin of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs have been allocated to various laboratories to develop Pharmacopoeial standards under a central scheme.
(iii) Research in Ayurvedic drugs is being conducted by Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha.
(iv) A separate Drugs Technical Advisory Board under Drugs and Cosmetics Act has been set up to advise the Government on quality control of Ayurvedic Drugs.
(v) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of Ayurvedic drugs have been notified to ensure the quality production of Ayurvedic drugs on 23rd June, 2000.
(vi) Rs. 20.46 crores have been sanctioned during the financial year 2000-2001 under Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening of State Government Drug Testing Laboratory and Pharmacies of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs.
(vii) To recognize private Drug Testing Laboratory for Ayurvedic drugs, notification has been issued under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules for testing of Ayurvedic, drugs on 28th September, 2001.
(viii) Rule 161 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules have been amended for exemption and labeling, packing of Ayurvedic Drugs for export.
(ix) A Medicinal Plants Board has been set up to augment availability of medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic drugs on 24th November, 2000.
(c) During 2001-2002, Rs. 18.50 crores have been earmarked for strengthening of State Drug Testing Laboratory and Pharmacies of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
(ii) Medicinal Plants Board has financial provision of Rs. 16.10 crores.
(iii) Rs. 3.50 crores have been earmarked for Centrally Sponsored Schemes for development of agro-techniques and cultivation of medicinal plants and herbal gardens.
(iv) Rs. 1.94 crores have been earmarked for strengthening of Pharmacopoeia Committee on ISM and the laboratories working under the scheme.