Question : AYURVEDIC HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES

(a) the number of registered companies manufacturing Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines in the country;

(b) the steps taken/proposed by the Government to set up more number of such Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic drug manufacturing companies, particularly in public sector;

(c) the financial provisions made for the above purpose during the Twelfth Five Year Plan period;

(d) the steps taken/proposed by the Government to popularize Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines in villages;

(e) whether the Government is implementing Ayush Gram Yojana in certain States; and

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the manner in which the said programme is being implemented?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a): As per available information, there are 7699 Ayurvedic and 414 Homeopathic licensed drug manufacturing companies in the country.

(b): Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) has been set up as the public sector Ayurvedic and Unani medicines manufacturing unit under the purview of Department of AYUSH. Similar public sector undertaking for Homeopathic medicines is contemplated subject to approval of 12th Five-Year Plan for AYUSH. The Department of AYUSH is already supporting strengthening of 47 State Pharmacies.

(c): Provision of Rs.50.00 crore for Indian Medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) and Rs.75.00 crore for the proposed Homeopathic Medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited has been projected for the 12th Five-Year Plan. However, the 12th Five Year Plan is yet to be approved.

(d): The Department of AYUSH has taken a number of measures to popularize and promote Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines and other AYUSH remedies throughout the country. Key initiatives include audio-visual and print media publicity, Arogya melas & exhibitions, national campaigns, support to states for supply of medicines in dispensaries, colocation of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic facilities in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals.

(e) & (f): Some states like Karnataka and Chhattisgarh are implementing AYUSH Gram Yojana with similar objectives and scopes. In Karnataka, the program is implemented on pilot basis in one Gram Panchayat each in 10 identified districts to provide comprehensive preventive, promotive and curative health care and community health awareness. In Chhattisgarh, the concept in the name of Ayurvedgram has been implemented in 292 villages covering provision of health care services, AYUSH health camps, Yoga camps, plantation of medicinal herbs, health awareness activities, school health programmes and coordination for effective implementation of National Health Programmes.