The Gujarat Ayurvedic Aushadh Manufacturers Association (GAAMA) recently sent a representation to the central government demanding the exemption of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) industry from the Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977. This demand comes in the wake of the increased burden that the industry is facing due to the implementation of the same which is reportedly slowing the growth of this niche sector.

The Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977 requires all the ASU manufacturers to mention details like name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, if available, of the person who can be or the office which can be contacted, in case of consumer's complaint, full name of all the ingredients etc. on the medicinal pack label. The industry argues that since they comply to all the laws and regulations as stated in the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act it was highly unreasonable on the part of the government to make them follow this provision as well.

Prabodh Shah, president, GAAMA informed, “The medicines manufactured by the ASU industry are governed by labelling provisions as stated in Rule 161 of the D&C Act, 1940 and Rules 1945, just like the allopathic drugs. Since we already provide and disclose all the details for consumer interest it is unjustifiable on their part to make us go through the extra work.”

What the industry finds more disturbing is the fact that allopathic drugs are exempted from the Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977 and clause (e) of the Rule 34 of said Rule, whereas at the same time ASU manufacturers are required to comply to the same.

“Why is there a disparity between the two sectors when we both follow common set of rules and regulations under the D&C Act. Since we also fall under the D&C Act, we demand to be treated at par with allopathic drugs so that we can also get our due. Time and again we have noticed that when it comes to enforcement we are expected to follow all the provisions, whereas when it comes to policies the government is very choosy with only limited policies for us compared to them,” Shah regretted.

Shah further added that as an association we feel that it is highly unfair on the part of the government to have a double standard approach towards the ASU drug manufacturers while allopathic manufacturers are exempted from this said rules. He insisted that for the growth and development of the industry it is essential for the government to have an unbiased and equal approach for the ASU industry and hoped that the government would take the appropriate steps at the latest to address this issue.