The Union Government will soon include Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) drugs among the list of medicines for government institutional purchase. The selected drugs are to be the ones used for the management or treatment of major diseases like AIDS, TB etc.

The decision to supply medicines from ISM sectors like Ayurveda, Unani or Siddha to the government healthcare institutions after sourcing it through its centralized purchase system is to give a big boost to ISM industry in the country. At present, the institutional market of India, estimated to be above Rs 4,000 crore, is exclusively supporting the modern systems of medicine.

The government purchases are to be utilized for the health care programmes by the Central and State government institutions.

The medicines will be procured from ISM companies that have GMP certified facilities. Though the central government had come out with GMP for ISM sector about a year ago, the compliance by the manufacturers is restricted to the big and medium players in the industry. The decision of the government to open up a lucrative marketing channel for ISM companies would prompt them to go for ISM GMP for expansion of their business prospects.

As of now, herbal medicines meant for all public sector ISM healthcare institutions come from government owned manufacturing centers. India has recognized Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy under ISM systems.