While the Ayurvedic community in India is concerned over the increasing incidence of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge being patented by overseas firms at a time when the new patent regime is round the corner, the Kerala Health Minister, feels there is nothing to worry at this point of time.

The patent rules in the country are good enough to protect our traditional knowledge. Correct understanding and application of the rules could prevent other nations from using our traditional medicine systems and knowledge, according to Kerala Health Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan.

It is learnt that speaking at a seminar on 'Patent issues in traditional medicine', organized by the Government's patent cell and Ayurveda Education Department, the minister further said if traditional Ayurveda knowledge was properly codified and displayed to the world, it would have been impossible for others to claim rights for it. Proper codification of information in Ayurvedic texts and other ancient medical knowledge systems will help the cause of Ayurveda.

"If my knowledge and information on patent rules is right, there is no need to fear over reports of overseas firms trying to patent our Ayurveda knowledge" the minister reportedly said while reacting to the anguish aired by the seminar audience on issues related to TBGRI's Jeevani patent and trademark issue and two U.S. firms trying to take trademark rights for Ayurveda.

"If this is the attitude and approach of our rulers, what will happen to India's Ayurveda" a participant at the seminar told Pharmabiz. He noted formation of a patent cell a few months back to collect and disseminate information on patents related to Ayurveda was the only proactive move done by the State Government so far to protect the interests of Ayurveda and other traditional knowledge in the new patent regime.

"Even without a proper office and without adequate infrastructure or funds, at least enough computers, what the patent cell can do" asks a member of the patent cell, though its chairman E.K.Bharath Bhushan says the cell has documented more than 2000 herbs and ingredients related to Kerala's traditional knowledge of medicine systems. The meeting decided to seek measures to document and codify unique biodiversity information and traditional knowledge of medicines in the state, said sources.