New Delhi: Union Ayush Minister Shi Prataprao Jadhav announced the approval of 108 laboratories across India for quality testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) drugs. The labs are licensed under the Drugs Rules, 1945, ensuring standardized testing of traditional medicines.
Strengthening State Labs
In addition to these, 34 State Drug Testing Laboratories have been supported to enhance their infrastructural and functional capacity, allowing for faster and more reliable testing of Ayush drugs.
Regional Research Institutes Involved
Three Regional Research Institutions under the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences have also been approved under Rule 160E of the Drugs Rules, 1945, further strengthening research and quality oversight.
Pharmacovigilance Network
The Pharmacovigilance Programme for ASU & Homoeopathy drugs operates under the Central Sector Scheme Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY). The programme functions through a three-tier network: one National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPvCC), five Intermediary Pharmacovigilance Centres (IPvCs), and 97 Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centres (PPvCs) across the country.
Monitoring Misleading Claims
These centres are tasked with monitoring and reporting misleading advertisements by Ayush drug manufacturers to State Regulatory Authorities for appropriate action, aiming to ensure the public receives accurate information about ASU medicines.
Awareness Initiatives
Since the programme’s inception, 3,533 awareness programmes have been conducted, benefitting over 3.18 lakh individuals across India. These initiatives help educate the public on safe and effective use of Ayush products.
Encouraging Certifications
The Ministry also promotes quality certifications for Ayush products, including the WHO-aligned Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) scheme and certifications implemented by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
Financial Allocation under AOGUSY
The Central sector scheme AOGUSY has been allocated Rs 122 crore for the five-year period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Key components include upgrading Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to meet higher quality standards, strengthening regulatory oversight, and supporting research and development in traditional medicine.
