New Delhi: Indicating growing acceptance of Indian traditional medicine in the global market, the Union government is in the process of inking pacts with 45 countries to undertake research and academic activities in Ayush (ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy) sector.
“These countries are in addition to the nine with whom the Union Ayush ministry has already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU),” said ayush minister Shripad Yesso Naik after flagging off “Run for ayurveda” in Delhi to mark the National Ayurveda Day observed on Sunday.
Around 2,000 people participated in the event organised by the ministry, the All India Institute of Ayurveda and sponsored by Aimil Pharma, engaged in manufacturing herbal drugs like anti-diabetic BGR-34 and Neeri KFT used for treatment of kidney ailments.
“We are witnessing a highly receptive environment where the ayush systems and herbal drugs are getting widely acceptance worldwide, translating into growing global demand. Collaboration with other countries will push the international demand as well as provide jobs practitioners and students of ayurveda,” an official from the ministry said. Sanchit Sharma, executive director of Aimil Pharma ,echoed similar sentiments.
“The signing of MoU with other countries will ensure that ayurveda and other traditional medicinal systems and ayush drugs get recognition abroad. Many herbal drugs have been developed after following due scientific process as per global norms.”
For instance, anti-diabetic herbal drug BGR-34, developed by the government’s scientific research body, Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR), Saheli contraceptive pills and several other drugs have been scientifically validated, he added.
The government is also offering incentives to ayush industry for international cooperation and encouraging certification of ayush products to facilitate exports.
A ministry official attributed the growing demand to the cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects of the herbal drugs which are being used to treat diseases related to drastic changes in lifestyle, dietetic habits, increased industrialisation and pollution.
