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Parliamentary Panel Urges Unified Drug Regulation for AYUSH Medicines

In its latest report presented to the Rajya Sabha, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare called for an inclusive framework that actively engages stakeholders in developing pharmacopoeial standards. This, the panel argued, would improve efficiency and ensure consistency in AYUSH drug regulations.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Mar 19, 2025

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A parliamentary committee has recommended consolidating all AYUSH drug-related standard-setting processes under a single independent drug regulator, aligning with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. The move aims to streamline regulatory oversight and enhance uniformity in the sector.

In its latest report presented to the Rajya Sabha, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare called for an inclusive framework that actively engages stakeholders in developing pharmacopoeial standards. This, the panel argued, would improve efficiency and ensure consistency in AYUSH drug regulations.

To strengthen this initiative, the committee suggested that the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) collaborate more closely. Such coordination, it emphasized, would enhance scientific testing and evaluation of a greater number of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drug samples, thereby bolstering safety, efficacy, and quality control.

The committee raised concerns about the limited reach of Arogya Fair and Ayurveda Parv, key initiatives promoting AYUSH systems. Given India's vast geographical expanse with 28 states and eight Union Territories, the panel recommended expanding the initiative to cover at least half of the states in the coming year, with an eventual goal of nationwide coverage.

It also stressed the importance of fully implementing the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Scheme to raise awareness, particularly in rural, tribal, and underserved urban areas.

The panel acknowledged progress under the AYUSH International Cooperation Scheme but urged greater engagement with developed nations such as the UK and the US. It suggested leveraging these partnerships to promote AYUSH practices among the Indian diaspora and the local populations in these countries.

The committee also underscored the potential of positioning India as a destination for AYUSH-based medical tourism. To achieve this, it called for a strategic marketing push, including international roadshows, Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs for foreign audiences, familiarization tours, and targeted digital marketing campaigns.

With the Ayush Vision@2047 aiming to contribute 7.7% to India’s GDP, the committee emphasized the need for robust investment, export promotion, and market expansion strategies to position AYUSH products competitively in the global healthcare sector.

Recognizing the importance of scientific validation, the panel urged the Ministry of AYUSH to systematically collect data on the safety, standardization, and efficacy of AYUSH products and therapies. It recommended prioritizing research on AYUSH interventions for high-burden diseases to build a strong evidence-based foundation for their clinical application.

To foster expertise in the sector, the committee called for a structured strategy to develop and manage human resources in AYUSH systems. It reiterated the need for equitable support across all capacity-building programs under the Ayurgyan Scheme, ensuring that CME initiatives receive adequate attention.

Additionally, the committee advocated extending key AYUSH research initiatives beyond 2025-26 with appropriate budget allocations to ensure sustained progress.

The committee welcomed the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, seeing it as a pivotal step in strengthening India’s traditional medicine sector. It urged swift completion of the project, emphasizing that enhanced collaboration with WHO would play a crucial role in achieving broader global acceptance of AYUSH practices.

By implementing these recommendations, the panel believes that the AYUSH sector can significantly contribute to India’s healthcare landscape, ensuring traditional medicine evolves into a scientifically validated and globally recognized medical system.