OREANDA-NEWS. December 22, 2015. Manufacturing of Ayurvedic drugs in the country is regulated under the provisions of Chapter IVA of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules framed thereunder. Rule 158-B of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 specifically prescribes the guidelines and requirements licensing of various categories of Ayurvedic products. Adherence to the quality standards of drugs prescribed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and authoritative books and compliance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are mandatory for the Ayurvedic drugs manufacturer. Need-based amendments are made in the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules from time to time in consultation with the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board.

Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy has been set up to undertake the work of developing quality standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drugs. Financial support is extended through National AYUSH Mission and Central Sector Schemes for drugs quality control activities, development of industry clusters, research & development projects and participation in scientific conferences, workshops, promotional events etc.

Ayurvedic Pharmacy courses of study and training are conducted in some states and it is proposed to set up a regulatory framework for promoting quality education and practice of pharmacy in Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy.

Legal provisions are already provided in the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 to control the practice of Indian Medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. Registration of practitioner in the state or central register of practitioners is must for doing medical practice and recognized qualifications are listed in the schedules of the Act. Penalty provisions are prescribed for the persons acting in contravention of the legal provisions.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply in Lok Sabha today.