Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Pharmexcil organized the International AROGYA 2017 – First Edition of International Exhibition and Conference on AYUSH and Wellness with the theme ‘Enhancing the export potential of AYUSH’. The event was attended by International Ayurveda Experts/ Academicians/ Scientists/ Regulators/ Manufacturers.
During the International Conference and Regulators Meet important topics relating to Standardization and Quality Control in AYUSH Sector, Enhancing the export potential of AYUSH and Business opportunities, Integrative Healthcare etc. were extensively deliberated to understand the International perspective. International AROGYA with the participation of AYUSH manufacturers showcased the strength of the AYUSH systems of medicine.
The Ministry of AYUSH offers incentives to the AYUSH industry under its Central Sector Scheme for International Cooperation (i) to get market authorization/ registration for their product(s) at regulatory bodies of different countries such as USFDA/EMEA/UK-MHRA/ NHPD/ TGA etc. to enhance their exports (ii) for participation in international exhibitions, trade fairs, road shows etc. to create awareness about the efficacy of their products.In addition to the above, for facilitating exports, Ministry of AYUSH encourages following certifications of AYUSH products as per details below:-(i) Voluntary Quality Certification of Pharmaceutical Products (CoPP) under ITS Guidelines (ii) Quality Certifications Scheme implemented by the Quality Council of India (QCI) for grant of AYUSH Premium mark to Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani products on the basis of third party evaluation of quality in accordance with the status of compliance to international standards. Besides, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry provides support for enhancing export of traditional medicines through Pharmexcil by giving opportunity to small and medium scale companies for facilitating business meetings and also providing a global platform to showcase their products. Pharmexcil organises Buyer-Sellers and Reverse Buyer-Sellers Meets focused on AYUSH and AYUSH related products.
The Ministry of AYUSH has setup Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) for undertaking coordinating formulating, developing and promoting research on scientific lines in Ayurveda. The activities are carried out through 30 institute/Centres/Units under CCRAS located all over India and also through collaborative studies with various universities, hospitals and institutes. The research activities of the council include medicinal plant research (Medico-ethno botanical survey, pharmacognosy and tissue culture), Drug Standardization Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation, and other outreach activities.
One research institute viz. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, is functioning in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. However, the scope of the Research undertaken by the Institutes of CCRAS is spread over the entire country and is not confined to the states of Gujarat or Jharkhand as it is in the public domain for the benefit of all the citizens of the country. This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
Research In Ayurveda The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an Autonomous body under Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India is an apex body in India for undertaking, coordinating, formulating, developing and promoting research on scientific lines in Ayurvedic Sciences. The Minister of AYUSH, Govt. of India is the President of the Governing Body of the Council, while the Joint Secretary chairs the Standing Finance Committee. The Scientific/Research Programmes are supervised by the Scientific Advisory Board and Scientific Advisory Group.
The Council has been executing its research programmes with a network of 30 peripheral Institutes/centres/units with the headquarters office responsible for control, monitoring and supervision. Research work of the Council is executed by 792 officers and staff, though the sanctioned strength of officers and staff is 1983 and also through collaborative studies with various Universities, Hospitals and Institutes.
The broad areas of Research comprise:
Clinical Research
Fundamental Research
Pharmacology Research (Pre clinical Safety/Toxicity and Biological Activity Studies)
Medicinal Plant Research (Medico-Ethno Botanical survey, Cultivation, Pharmacognosy) Drug standardization Research
Literary Research & Documentation