Andhra Pradesh

Ayurvedic drug manufacturers cry foul

By G.V.Ramana Rao

VIJAYAWADA, JAN. 21. Traditional methods of preparing Ayurvedic drugs that are centuries old and time-tested may soon be relegated to the texts, if the laws governing manufacture of the drugs, said to be insufficient to deal with the realm of Ayurveda, are implemented.

Ayurvedic drugs are becoming increasingly popular and are in great demand, both in the domestic and international markets. In a bid to safeguard the interest of the consumers and boost exports, the State Government has been taking steps for the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP).

After giving Ayurvedic manufacturers a "grace period" of two years, the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), in a circular issued in December, said that the "manufacturing licence" of Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units that do not implement GMP would be cancelled after December 31, 2004.

Viability

There are over 400 Ayurvedic drug-making units registered with AYUSH in and around Vijayawada. The number of Ayurvedic dispensaries run by the local bodies is also an indication of the popular use of the drugs. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) runs 12 dispensaries. Similarly, there are eight dispensaries in Tenali, six in Rajahmundry, four in Eluru and three in Guntur.

The Herbal and Ayurvedic Manufacturers Association (HAMA) president, B.Prasoona, says that 95 per cent of the Ayurvedic manufacturers are not in a position to implement GMP designed basically for allopathic drugs. But for a few big companies, the implementation of GMP, as per the Drug and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, is not financially viable for smaller units that follow traditional methods to prepare medicines.

Opinion divided

The manufacturers are divided into two groups over the implementation of GMP. Those arguing against implementation say that traditional methods do not mean they are unhygienic. GMP does not permit the preparation of medicines in earthenware or in open vessels, because they are considered unhygienic. They argue that drugs can be produced hygienically even by using traditional equipment. Those favouring GMP argue that it is necessary, because the perception of hygiene itself is changing and they cite the changes in the hotel and food processing industries. The more hygiene-conscious customers of today have higher standards of cleanliness. V.Nagalaskhmi, who has a doctorate in pharmacology and runs an Ayurvedic drug-making unit, says the GMP guidelines are vague and impractical. There are problems from the word go. Drugs should be prepared in a "dust free" atmosphere, but GMP does not specify the size of the filters (the size of dust particles is measured in microns) that should be used in the air-handling units (AHUs). And, small manufacturers cannot afford such expensive equipment.

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