Department of Ayush has constituted five sub-committees under the  Ayurveda Siddha Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB). The Karnataka Indian Medicine Manufacturers Association (KIMMA) has been selected as the industry representative under the Sub Committee three to review lab practices to test Ayurveda Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs.

The first Sub Committee will examine Schedule ‘Z’ and other relevant notifications. The second Sub Committee is formed to evaluate the proposed Retail Sale Licence for ASU Drugs. The third Sub Committee would review the Model Laboratory Practices for testing of ASU drugs. The fourth Sub Committee is formed to amend First Schedule of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 for the list of Authoritative ASU Books. The fifth Sub Committee is to examine Shelf life of ASU Medicines.

In a communiqué vide Government Order No. K.11025/1/2012-DCC (AYUSH) dated June 19, 2012, sub committees under ASUDTAB (Ayurveda Siddha Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board) an Apex body vide sec 33-C of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 are now formed. The key objective of the sub-committee is to advise the Central and State Governments on technical matters arising out of Chapter IV A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Industry is represented by Ayurveda Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA) in Sub committees one and four, whereas Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organization of India (AMMOI) represents industry in Sub Committees two and five.

According to JSD Pani, president, KIMMA, the move by the Union government to form sub committees is itself will give a fillip to the growth of the sector. The Ayush industry has now a path of progress. It is a step forward in making an effort to address the special issues of the industry where the industry is consulted through associations like ADMA and AMMOI. The regulatory decisions are also addressed after discussions with the stakeholders.

“With the dire need for holistic care in the country where systems of Ayush and allopathy are being integrated into the healthcare space, we need to ensure that from research, manufacture to retail sales, the products will need to adhere to highest standards of quality. With KIMMA now being appointed to represent and review the Model Laboratory Practices for testing of ASU drugs, the focus will be to increase the scope for  quality of raw materials and process of research and development,” said Pani.