(a) whether the Government are contemplating to promote the Ayurvedic and Indian System of Medicine;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to open more colleges of Ayurvedic and Indian System of Medicine; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, location-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b) In order to develop and promote the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy including the Ayurvedic system, the Government in 1995 established an independent Department which is implementing schemes for the development & cultivation of medicinal plants, preparation of agro-techniques, upgradation of undergraduate/postgraduate institutions, standardisation of drugs, assistance to State Pharmacies and Laboratories, broadening the testing facilities, notification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), encouraging intra-mural & extra mural research and dissemination of information, education and communication (IEC). A Medicinal Plants Board has been established to give focussed attention to development of the medicinal plant sector to provide good quality raw material for the manufacture of ISM drugs and products.
(c )&(d) Opening of colleges for ISM&H is a State responsibility which is done through State Government resources or private endeavour. Meanwhile, the Central Government has established National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Calcutta, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, and Moraji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi.