Question : Spurious AYUSH Medicines

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has taken any stringent measures to control and curb the sale of spurious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the list of cases registered against the sale and distribution of spurious AYUSH medicines, State-wise during the last four years;

(c) whether Government has chalked out any plans to provide adequate supply of AYUSH medicines and drugs in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): Regulatory provisions for Spurious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines are prescribed in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. The penalty provisions are also prescribed in Section 33-I of the Act for the defaulter to be punished with monetary fine and imprisonment for a term up to three years as determined by the court. The responsibility to enforce these provisions is vested with the concerned State Governments. State-wise statement of reported cases of spurious or substandard AYUSH medicines is provided in the Annexure.
(c ) & (d): Since September, 2014 Government has implemented a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission through which grant-in-aid from Rs 1.00 lakh to Rs 2.00 lakh per dispensary/hospital per annum is provided for supply of essential AYUSH medicines to the States on approval of the State Annual Action Plans. States are required to procure these medicines in accordance with the Essential Drugs Lists published by the Central Government and at least 50% of the grant funds have to be utilized for procurement of medicines from Central or State Public Sector Undertakings/Cooperative pharmacies.