The International Ayurveda Foundation (IAF), a non-governmental organisation working for the globalisation of ayurveda, is planning to move European courts to challenge the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD), which will be fully implemented in Europe by 2011. IAF is also planning to meet Prime Minister, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath and Minister of Science and Technology Kabil Sibal to discuss the issue.

It is learnt that the Foundation will file two litigations in European courts to challenge the directive. According to the IAF, with the full-fledged implementation of the directive millions of people who are accustomed with various traditional systems of medicine will be deprived of these medicines, as it excludes several traditional herbal medicines. Moreover, the directive is expected to impose heavy burden on the industry and can affect the market of many safe, popular and effective herbal medicines. As per the legislation no further medicinal herb products can be launched with out the THMP registration and marketing authorisation.

The Foundation alleged that neither the science ministry nor the commerce ministry is interested to take up the issue and protect the country's interest. In January of this year a high-level delegation from the Europe carried out a fact-finding mission on ayurvedic medicines do decide on the market authorisation of ayurvedic products under the EU legislation. It was with a view to investigate some key aspects of ayurvedic medicines in particular their identity and origin, manufacture, evaluation, registration and use in medical practice. However, the report prepared by the team highlighted the negative implications of ayurvedic medicines, as the Indian side failed to present its case properly.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Praful Patel, general secretary, IAF, said, "The government is too slow in taking steps and not aggressive enough to politically handle the issue. In a meeting with us both the commerce and science ministries have agreed to take up the issue. However, they are not doing anything on the same." He added that it is essential that the NGOs should join together to challenge the legislation. Though a political dialogue is scheduled to discuss the issue, it has not yet taken place.

He demanded that the European Union should recognize ayurveda as an independent medical system and pass a law with all the provisions and criteria. It is also necessary to declare a five-year moratorium period for herbal medicines.