Regional Raw Drug Repository for AYUSH launched

On October 13, 2020, the Union Minister of AYUSH inaugurated the Regional Raw Repository at the National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. The Regional Raw Repository is the important component of National AYUSH Mission.

About the Repository

The repository will play a major role in collection, demonstration and documentation of raw drugs from Southern Plateau region. It will establish standard protocols for authentication of raw drugs. The repository will play a major role in medicinal plant cultivation. The National Raw Drug Repository and the Regional Raw Drug Repository were initiated by the National Medicinal Plant Board.

Significance

There is a global resurgence in alternative health care system and thus the traditional medicines are gaining importance post COVID-19. Thus, the repository will help India gain a unique, special place in the global pharmaceutical market.

Challenges

India has more than 9,000 manufacturing units for Sidha, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy medicines. However, the quality of these medicines depend upon the quality of raw materials and the manufacturing process followed. Thus, through these repositories the government intends to monitor the quality of the traditional medicines.

Legislation

Schedule T has been included in Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to make it mandatory for all the manufacturing units to adhere to good manufacturing practices.

National AYUSH Mission

The National AYUSH Mission was launched to promote AYUSH medical systems, strengthen educational systems, envisage flexibility of implementation of programmes and facilitate enforcement of quality of Sidha, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy drugs.

It was launched during the 12^th five year plan. The AYUSH Health and Wellness centres were approved by National AYUSH Mission. The continuation of National AYUSH Mission was approved by the union cabinet in March 2020.

The mission aims to upgrade and increase number of AYUSH educational institutions. Also, the mission aims to provide better access to AYUSH services through AYUSH dispensaries and hospital coverage.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020