A total of 108 laboratories have been sanctioned for the quality assessment of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medications, as stated by Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav. These labs operate under the regulations of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Additionally, 34 State Drug Testing Laboratories have received support to enhance their infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Three Regional Research Institutions of the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences have also been endorsed under Rule 160E of the Drugs Rules 1945. The Pharmacovigilance Programme for Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy drugs has been rolled out under the Central Sector Scheme Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY). This program functions through a three-tier network comprising a National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Five Intermediary Pharmacovigilance Centers, and 97 Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centers established nationwide.
The primary objective is to oversee Ayush drugs and combat misleading advertisements to safeguard consumers and prevent the spread of unverified claims by Ayush product manufacturers. Awareness programs totaling 3,533 have been conducted to date, benefiting 3,18,575 individuals across the country. The Ministry of Ayush also promotes certifications for Ayush products, including the Certification of Pharmaceutical Product as per WHO guidelines and the quality certifications scheme by the Quality Council of India.
The Central sector scheme AOGUSY has a financial allocation of Rs 122.00 crores for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. One of its key components is to enhance Ayush Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories to meet higher standards.
