Have 108 laboratories been approved for Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drug quality testing?
Synopsis
In a significant move to enhance the quality of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs, the Ayush Minister has announced the approval of 108 laboratories for quality testing. This initiative aims to strengthen oversight and consumer protection while reducing misleading advertisements in the market.
Key Takeaways
108 laboratories approved for quality testing of traditional medicines.
Strengthening of State Drug Testing Laboratories for better infrastructure.
Implementation of a comprehensive Pharmacovigilance Programme .
Over 3,500 awareness programs conducted nationwide.
Financial allocation of Rs 122 crores for enhancing Ayush standards.
New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) A total of 108 laboratories have received approval for conducting quality assessments of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs, as announced by Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav.
The Minister highlighted that these laboratories are authorized under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
In addition, 34 State Drug Testing Laboratories are being bolstered to enhance their infrastructure and functional abilities. Furthermore, three Regional Research Institutions under the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences have also been sanctioned under Rule 160E of the Drugs Rules 1945.
“The Pharmacovigilance Programme for Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU & H) drugs has been initiated under the Central Sector Scheme Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY), which operates through a three-tier network comprising a National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPvCC), five Intermediary Pharmacovigilance Centers (IPvCs), and 97 Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centers (PPvCs) established throughout the nation,” stated the Minister.
“These centers are tasked with monitoring and reporting misleading advertisements to the relevant State Regulatory Authorities, ensuring appropriate action is taken against offenders,” he added.
The initiative aims to maintain vigilant oversight of Ayush drugs and mitigate misleading advertisements to protect consumers and prevent the spread of unverified claims by Ayush product manufacturers.
“To date, 3,533 awareness programs have been conducted, reaching 318,575 beneficiaries across the nation,” Jadhav noted.
The Ministry of Ayush also promotes certification for Ayush products, including the Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and a quality certification scheme enforced by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
The Central sector scheme AOGUSY has been allocated a total of Rs 122.00 crores over five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. A key component of this scheme focuses on enhancing and upgrading Ayush Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories to meet higher standards.
Point of View
The approval of 108 laboratories for the quality testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing the integrity of traditional medicine in India. With the government's commitment to consumer safety and product reliability, this move aligns with the nation's broader health objectives.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the approved laboratories?
The approved laboratories are intended for quality testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How many laboratories have been approved?
A total of 108 laboratories have been approved for quality testing.
What is the role of the Pharmacovigilance Programme?
The Pharmacovigilance Programme monitors and reports misleading advertisements related to Ayush drugs to protect consumers and ensure regulatory action.
