Experts of Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and scientists doing research in modern technology and science have deliberated on application of modern scientific techniques for the development of traditional medicines and natural products in a national level workshop held at Anna University in Chennai.

The three-day workshop, commenced on July 29 at the AU-KBC Research Centre of the Anna University and ended on July 31, mainly focused on ideas and measures needed to globalise India’s traditional medicines with respect to testing, standardisation and quality control of drugs. Research scholars, faculty members, ISM graduates and post-graduates, and practitioners of Indian systems of medicines from different parts of the country have participated in the three-day workshop.

The workshop was organised in support of the central Ayush ministry’s initiatives for the promotion and development of Indian systems of medicine.

Spokesperson from the research centre informed that the workshop was conducted to realise the application of modern scientific techniques in developing traditional medicines and natural products. The participants shared their knowledge with one another with respect to traditional medicines and learnt more about the possibility of modern scientific techniques in developing their filed. They were able to gain hands on experience in the techniques involved in testing, standardisation and quality control of drugs and formulations of Indian medicines.

Further, the programme could identify the difficulties and constraints in the existing methods of preparation. It gave an insight into the national health policy of the government with regards to traditional medicines on health care system and to promote drugs production ensuring safety, efficacy and quality. It also highlighted the need of globalisation of Indian medicines.

Several presentations based on the legislations and regulations of traditional medicines such as Ayush, OECD, WHO guidelines and IP, with particular emphasis on the development of national policies were made at the workshop. The role and importance of traditional medicines, existing policies and those planned by the government were presented and discussed by the delegates.

The speakers emphasised that the ISM sector needs experts with theoretical and practical knowledge of Indian traditional medicine and people with rich resource in modern scientific techniques. It also needs people with rich knowledge in regulatory affairs pertaining to manufacturing, production and marketing.