The Department of Ayush is likely to consider the proposal submitted by the Karnataka Indian Medicine Manufacturers' Association (KIMMA) for allowing repacking provision in the ISM sector at par with the provision for modern drugs in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
The Drug Technical Advisory Board for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs had in its last meeting, held in March, deliberated the proposal in detail. Following this, the Board is learnt have referred the proposal to an expert committee for further discussion and also to study the relevance of repacking provision in the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani sector.
However, the Drug Controller General of India, who is also member of the ASU DTAB, is of the view that the repacking provision in allopathic drug has been made for certain single drugs, which are available in bulk packing but are required by consumers in small quantities. The DCGI also cautioned that while the repacking is allowed for drugs, it is important to ensure that there is no change in the nature of drug during repacking.
In the meanwhile, few members learnt to have opined that since the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs are not imported as bulk drugs into the country, it is not necessary to create such a provision for these sectors.
However, the industry has demanded that, as there are a number of companies in these sectors repacking the drugs after receiving them in bulk quantities; the interest of the industry should be protected.
Nevertheless, keeping in view the scope of such provisions for the ISM sector, the DTAB has also asked the expert committee to formulate the list of possible single drugs why may require repacking.