The Union health ministry is drafting a proposal to create a Council for International Cooperation in Indian Systems of Medicine (CICISM) in order to make Indian system of medicines internationally acceptable. An advisory committee has been constituted for the purpose headed by renowned scientist, Dr RA Mashelkar.

Six sub-committees have been formed in the areas of research, education, publication & IEC, industry & commerce, clinical services and IPR to delve deep into the subjects in detail and make recommendations to improve the Indian systems of medicine to make them internationally acceptable. The committees have been asked to submit their reports by March 31, 2010.

The sub-committee for education and training will have to design a strategy for promoting short term and long term professional training for medical professionals and para-medics including full-fledged UG and PG ISM education in foreign countries, with due regard for regional adaptations, in collaboration with reputed Indian and foreign medical schools and recognized medical bodies.

It will also have to develop a draft policy and regulatory frame-work for accreditation of ISM training and professional education in foreign countries and facilitate its adoption by the government of India. The sub-committee has to prepare guidelines for the recognition of accredited national academies/councils of ISM in foreign countries and promote the creation of the same.

The sub-committee for trans-disciplinary research will have to design and implement a strategy for prioritizing and selection of reputed medical schools in USA, Europe, Africa, Central America, Australia, Middle East, Asia and twining them with research partners in India, for joint research projects, on strategically chosen health problems, that can enhance international acceptance of ISM. It also has to recommend to the Advisory Committee support for joint research projects, research fellowships and other research oriented initiatives designed by reputed Indian and foreign organizations including universities, colleges and non-government organizations.

The sub-committee for clinical services will critically review and survey the scope of clinical services exported by other countries rich in traditional systems of medicine, in selected foreign locations/destinations, which are relevant for the promotion of ISM clinical services. It has to design and implement a strategy for promoting the establishment of ISM clinical services like wellness centres, yoga therapy, rehabilitation centres, preventive health clinics, in prioritized and selected countries and regions of the world like USA, Europe, Africa, Central America, Australia, Middle East and Asia.

The sub-committee for policy, regulatory issues, market research and strategies related to trade and industry has to critically review in consultation with the department of Ayush, all existing foreign agreements and MoUs, related to trade and commerce of ISM products, practices and services with a view to identifying both potentials and gaps.

The sub-committee for IPR initiatives in the context of international cooperation will have to critically review potential and gaps of existing IPR initiatives in International context both for protecting IPRs of Indian Medical TK to prevent piracy as well as to support creation of positive IPRs for world wide promotion of Indian TK knowledge products. It also has to design and promote a programme for assisting Indian industry, educational and research institutions and NGOs to establish IPRs on innovative ISM products, practices and services that are relevant in the context of international cooperation.

The sub-committee for building public awareness about ISM in foreign countries will have to design and produce series of high quality publications of the best research reports, articles and papers written by Indian and foreign authors related to safety, quality and efficacy of ISM products, practices and services for distribution to foreign medical schools, medical councils and FDAs.