Date:13/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/13/stories/2004121305270500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Incentives for traditional medicine makers

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 12. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a scheme of incentives for manufacturers of traditional systems of medicine at Arogya-2005, an exhibition of Indian medicine to be held in Chennai between January 7 and 9.

The Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry, Tara Dutt, said here on Saturday that the fair is being organised in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

A grant-in-aid of 25 per cent of the cost of participation limited to Rs 1 lakh would be provided to the participants.

The exhibitors would be provided space at Rs. 3,000 per square metre.

Incentives would be available to only those firms, which have good manufacturing practices (GMP) certification. Mr. Dutt said that this is the first time such a fair is being organised in South India with a view to taking the opportunity to the doorsteps of firms and practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, homeopathy, besides yoga and naturopathy. The fair is intended to project these systems of medicine and their research and development achievements.