In a major turn of events in the Karnataka Ayurveda sector, the members of the Karnataka Indian Medicine Manufacturers' Association (KIMMA), the only state level association representing Indian System of Medicine Manufacturers have expressed their displeasure about the Union government's order, calling for compulsory testing heavy metals in the finished products. According to them the procedure would be extremely difficult for small units to adhere.

"We feel the move is to satisfy the requirements of western countries and some vested interests in the industry. The government under the guise of imposing quality standards has enforced the order which will force the small scale units in the Ayurveda sector to shut down operations. The rule will benefit only the larger units," stated JSD Pani, secretary, KIMMA. The small scale units constitute two third of the domestic manufacturers and play a key role in the production of Ayurvedic drugs in the country.

"We are not against quality control standards that need to be maintained in drug manufacture, but the government order which comes into effect from January 2006 would see the end of many units," added Pani.
Further, the KIMMA secretary stated that the government should on top priority make concerted efforts to reduce the pollution levels in air which was inhaled by people before directing the need for heavy metal tests in the Ayurvedic medicines.

Currently in Karnataka there are 165 units, out of which 160 are in the small scale sector. KIMMA constitutes 85 members, of which 84 are representatives from the small scale sector.

Some of the leading small scale units in the State are Capro Labs, Madhur Pharma & Research Labs, The Sadvaidyashala P Ltd. at Nanjangud near Mysore, Javali Lab Pvt. in Bangalore, New Bhuvanendra Ayurveda Pharmacy in Udupi and Ayur Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Mysore.

Sources from the Karnataka Directorate of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy stated that a circular has been issued to all units in the state asking to test for heavy metals, self certification of labels and the manufacturers were asked to strictly adhere to the order.

According to Dr. TTS Nair, advisor, Capro Labs Exports India Private Limited, the government order was a positive step in the progress of the sector. All products manufactured by the company maintained the permissible levels of heavy metals according to test reports from the Bangalore test laboratory.

Dr. Chitra Phadnis, chief executive, Madhur Pharma & Research Labs welcomed the decision to produce reports of heavy metal contents and stated that it was the only way to be recognised in the global market. The company's products are tested at Shiva Analyticals, Bangalore.