There is need to frame a set of exclusive regulatory norms for ensuring quality raw materials required for producing ayurvedic, siddha and unani medicines in the country, according to Gujarat Ayurvedic Aushadh Manufacturers Association (GAAMA). The Association has suggested that Gujarat Technological University (GTU) should try to initiate a independent study in this regard.

The GAAMA suggestion came up at a meeting with the officials of Kotler’s incubator for ayurvedic medicines (KIAM) at Gujarat Technological University recently which was attended by Jaynarayan Vyas, cabinet minister, Government of Gujarat, Dr Akshai Aggrawal, vice chancellor of GTU and Dr Bhavin Pandya, professor and head, S V Institute of Management, Kadi.

The Association said that getting high quality raw materials within the required time frame for manufacturing ASU products is a major challenge the industry has been facing for some time. GAAMA stressed that under such circumstances which is threatening the very existence of the industry, it is essential to draft a policy that will help in bringing accountability to acquiring the plant raw materials right from the cultivators or forest source.

GAAMA also pointed out several other issues faced by the industry, ranging from identification of right raw-material to pesticides residue and presence of heavy metal like mercury, lead and arsenic etc. Prabodh Shah, president, GAMMA suggested that while drafting such a policy, special attention should be given to analyse and understand the method of collection, conservation and supply chain of raw materials used for the same.

Through this initiative the association aims to explore ways to improvise and include the use of traditional system of medicines like ayurveda in mainstream treatment regimen across the state with the support of the KIAM. The KIAM at GTU that was flagged of mid May last year, aims at highlighting the important role of ayurveda as a reliable source of treatment option along with addressing the key issues effecting its progress in the state.

“With a view to further boost the industry we have also suggested to start a study on analysing the bottlenecks that the exporters face while exporting ayurvedic medicines. We strongly believe that with some through and systematic research conducted in the field of ayurveda we will be able to leverage the full potential of this sector throughout the world,” he added.

Under Kotler’s incubator for ayurvedic medicines, the GTU has allocated about 15 research projects to different institutes for health sector and allied issues in context of ayurveda. Through this incubation centre, GTU aims at exploring the possibilities of pushing the business of ayurvedic industry to greater heights by adopting new marketing strategies. Which they hope in the near future will help GTU to become a centre for research, technology and entrepreneurship for ayurveda.

Shah further informed that the industry as a whole is looking positively at this development as its is sure to push the industry towards a strong growth trajectory. “To sustain in this competitive world, it is important to create a niche for ourselves through strong marketing tactic, so as to set a brand image for the industry. So far we all strongly feel and agree that we have to re strategies our current marketing techniques for making ayurvedic medicines prevalent among the Indian population,” he stressed.