The Hindu Business Line : Taskforce formed to boost traditional medicines

IN order to identify, evaluate, standardise and improve the quality of traditional medicines, a taskforce comprising senior representatives from the Government, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), VHERDS (the Voluntary Health, Education and Rural Development Society), industry and the scientific community has been constituted.

"To popularise and create confidence in Indian traditional medicine, it was agreed that FICCI would henceforth include this item on the agenda of joint business councils with other countries," Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary-General, FICCI, said.

There is a considerable potential for strengthening traditional systems of medicine for improving the quality of healthcare, contribution to rural development and poverty alleviation, domestic production and exports.

"This would be possible provided there is a partnership between the Government and industry, a systematic programme by the Government to promote traditional systems of medicine in order create awareness and confidence at home and abroad, strengthening R&D efforts and systematic efforts towards validation as well as transcription," he said.

Addressing presspersons on the fourth international `Healthcare and Herbal Expo and Seminar' to be organised by FICCI in association with VHERDS from April 2-4, Dr Mitra said, "The Government and industry needs to collaborate in encouraging farming on an appropriate scale of quality herbs needed in the production of processed materials and products. The taskforce would study the special problems facing herb production, an essential ingredient which is in danger of becoming extinct."

Outlining the key features of the expo and seminar, Dr Mitra said that it would provide a platform for different players in the healthcare sector, including allopathic, ayurveda, unani, siddha and homeopathy practitioners. Hospitals and healthcare providers and insurance companies could also demonstrate their latest products.

Nearly 75 companies are participating at the exhibition. Leading brands such as Dabur, Zandu, Shahnaz Hussain, Ayur Herbals, BACFO Pharmaceuticals, Hamdard, Shree Baidyanath Ayurved, Himalaya, Panacea Biotech and Maharishi Ayurveda have confirmed their participation.

In fact, a lot of small companies have also come forward to take benefit of this platform. These include Aloe Naturals, Anchrom Enterprises, Naveena Velaanmai, IITC Organic, Jagaran Jan Vikas Samiti, and Pravek Kalp.

Apart from corporate participation, important research institutes and Government organisations will participate. The exhibition will also have participation from overseas countries, including Korea, Pakistan and Ghana.