The Union Ministry of AYUSH has sought details of licencing applications for Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs as well as the results of clinical trials and research studies in these systems of medicine from States and Union Territories in the wake of their claims on COVID-19 treatment.
In a recent order, the Ministry pointed out that guidelines had been issued in April on the conduct of research studies or clinical trials of Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Unani medicines for COVID-19 treatment. According to Rule 158-B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, proof of effectiveness for new indication or use is required for granting licence or approval to manufacture and sell Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines.
It had, however, come to the notice of the Union government that “approvals are being given for the medicinal products selected or registered for clinical trials or research studies” and “spurious claims and misleading advertisements are placed in the media” about the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Against this backdrop, the Union government directed the licencing authorities in States and Union Territories to forward the details of licencing applications of such formulations and results of clinical trials and research studies for verification by the AYUSH Ministry. It is in exercise of the powers under Section 33 P of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the order said.
The respective licencing authorities should grant approval or licence to manufacture for sale of such formulations only after getting clearance from the Ministry, it added.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
To get full access, please subscribe.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Show Less Plan
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath