The Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) may soon start developing pharmacopoeia standards for the Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathic medications under the “One Herb One Standard” (OHOS) among other projects during the budget year 2023–2024. According to information provided to a Parliamentary subcommittee by the Ministry of Ayush, legislation for the regulation of yoga and naturopathy as well as legislation for the Ayush Pharmacy and Associated Healthcare Professions are also being actively considered. The Ministry has advised the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare that it proposes to carry out a number of activities for the years 2023–2024, including, among other measures, the development of research and treatment infrastructure.
The development of pharmacopoeial standards for ASU&H drugs under the “One Herb One Standard” and their publication, the creation of a Web portal for the sale of soft copies of pharmacopoeial monographs in accordance with GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites), the publication of single drugs/revised monographs and formulations received are all tasks that PCIM&H will carry out during 2023–2024. The NABL accreditation of the chemistry and microbiology laboratories, the implementation of Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification, and the development of a herbal garden on a 10-acre plot of land are all covered by the PCIM&H’s EoI (Expression of Interest) scheme, the Ministry informed the panel.
In response to a specific question from the panel regarding the status of the Ayush Pharmacy and Allied Healthcare Professions and Yoga and Naturopathy Bill, the Ministry has stated that the issue relating to the introduction of the legislation for regulation of Yoga and Naturopathy, as well as legislation for the Ayush Pharmacy and Allied Healthcare Professions, is currently being actively considered by the Ministry. Also, it has stated that the proposed legislation will increase the country’s access to high-quality and reasonably priced yoga and naturopathy education, which will in turn ensure that these professions are available and of a sufficient calibre in the nation. Also, the rule will motivate yoga and naturopathic practitioners to use the most recent research in their work and to contribute to research.
“The Committee is of the considered opinion that the proposed legislations on Yoga and Naturopathy, Ayush Pharmacy, and Associated Healthcare Professions will play a crucial role in the regulation of Ayush Industries and Professions and Yoga and Naturopathy. The suggested laws are urgently needed in light of the Ayush systems’ growing popularity. The committee, led by MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, issued a report on the demands for grants of the ministry of ayush for the years 2023–2024. “The Committee, therefore, urges the Ministry to expedite the process of adopting proposed legislation in the House,” it stated. The Committee further stated that it was of the firm opinion that yoga and naturopathy, which are non-pharmacological systems of medicine, may be effectively used with contemporary medical practises to treat practically all illnesses, from the common cold to cancer.
The National Institute of Siddha will start initiatives for college and hostel construction in 2023–2024 to accommodate undergraduate students. The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), located near Pune, will launch the operational Nisarg Gram Project in 2023–2024. This extension of NIN will include a 250-bed hospital, a medical college, a research unit, and a Living Gandhi Monument. The diploma programmes in yoga therapy and sport coaching will be offered by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) for a one-year period. According to the Ministry, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy would conduct studies using current data on parameters, public health policy, economics, and operational research, collaborate with other institutes on basic research projects and diseases of importance to the country’s health, and establish research centres as centres of excellence as well as consortiums.
