The ayurveda, siddha, unani drug manufacturers in the country are concerned over the Union health ministry's decision to constitute an expert committee in each state to screen the applications for licences for new ayurveda, siddha and unani products in future. The health ministry had recently issued a notification in this regard.

Expressing concern over the health ministry's move, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA) general secretary Ranjith Puranik said that the ministry's move will only further delay the entire licensing process. "There is concern among the manufacturers about the delay in licensing process. In fact, reports of such delays have already started pouring in from different states", Puranik said.

With the formation of Central Drug Authority (CDA) very much on the anvil, the formation of such committees at this stage is sheer waste of time and nobody will benefit from this. With the implementation of this scheme and the subsequent formation of expert committees, there will be difference of opinion on the efficacy and quality of drugs. "There could be endless debates and all these will help delay the entire process", Puranik said.

However, the ADMA is yet to convey its concerns to the health ministry in writing. The ADMA was hopeful that the health ministry will review the notification. In fact, there was talk about the review of the notification in the wake reports that the industry is not happy with the proposal.

In order to weed out irrational ayurveda, siddha and unani formulations in the country, the health ministry had recently issued a notification asking the state licensing authorities (SLAs) to constitute an expert committee to screen the applications for new ayurveda, siddha and unani products in future.