Date:26/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/26/stories/2005052615910500.htm

Tamil Nadu

Offer of aid for drugs quality control

Special Correspondent

The DST is showing interest in funding research projects

CHENNAI: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) would be willing to support projects for quality control of drugs in the Indian Systems of Medicine, its adviser, Laxman Prasad, said on Wednesday.

With an enhanced budget of Rs.150 crores, the DST was showing interest in funding research projects among educational institutions and industries as well. While grants would be given for institutions, industries would be given soft loans, with 3 per cent interest and easy terms of repayment, Dr. Prasad said.

This is the first time that such assistance was being extended to the industrial sector, he said. In addition, the DST had also set up a Patents Cell to provide 100 per cent financial aid for academic institutions keen on patenting their research findings. This facilitating centre will also sort out all legal issues relating to patenting, according to Dr. Prasad.

Speaking at a national workshop on `Standardisation of Traditional Indian Medicine for Global Acceptance as per WHO Guidelines,' organised by the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC), he said if the nation was to compete in the global arena, it was necessary to perform at international standards. China used about 7000 plants to make drugs while India used 8000 plants. Knowledge about the medicinal properties of the herbs rests largely with tribal groups living in mountain and jungle areas.

Madras University Vice Chancellor S.P. Thyagarajan said there were more funds available for researchers. Professor Emeritus, G.P. Dubey, introduced the conference theme..