Parliament Question: Research Collaboration for AYUSH Products

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2484 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13th February, 2026 “Research Collaboration for AYUSH Products”

2484. Shri Arun Govil:

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state :

(a) whether there has been unprecedented development in the AYUSH medical system despite the lack of standardization in AYUSH systems as per international requirements and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of increased research collaboration, impact on standard setting and impact on export of AYUSH products through the international collaborations and agreements entered into by the Government during the last three years; and

(c) the status of measurable standardization in drug manufacturing among large Ayurvedic companies in the country? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) & (b) The Ayush healthcare systems has been subjected to unprecedented developments leading to their acceptance by large number of population for sustainable, inclusive and holistic healthcare solutions. The growth of the Ayush sector has also driven by structured developments of standards in alignment with global perspectives.

Ministry of Ayush strengthened global engagement in traditional medicine through international cooperation, fostering joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and alignment with international standards. These efforts enhanced global confidence in Ayush systems and improved international market access and visibility of Ayush products.

The inclusion of Traditional Medicine (TM) Module-2 enables evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into public health systems, supports research and policy development, and enhances insurance coverage and global recognition of Ayush systems. By aligning traditional knowledge with international standards, International Classification ofDiseases (ICD)-11 TM Module-2 strengthens India’s leadership in advancing traditional medicine globally.

Ministry of Ayush has signed 27 Country to Country Memorandum of Understanding

(MoUs) for Co-operation in field of Traditional Medicine and Homoeopathy with foreign nations, 16 MoUs with International Institutes for setting up of AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign nations, 54 Institute to Institute level MoUs with foreign institutes for undertaking Collaborative Research/Academic collaboration and supported the establishment of 44 Ayush Information Cells in 40 foreign nations for propagation and promotion of Ayush at global stage.

Ministry of Ayush offers scholarships to 104 foreign nationals for studying Ayush courses in recognized Ayush institutions in India under International Ayush Fellowship/Scholarship Program.

Ministry of Ayush encourages following certifications of Ayush products as per details

below: - • The scheme for Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines is extended to Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines. This scheme is administered by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the certificate is granted on the basis of joint inspection of the applicant manufacturing unit by the representatives of CDSCO, Ministry of Ayush and the concerned State Licensing Authority.

• Quality Certifications Scheme implemented by the Quality Council of India (QCI) for grant of Ayush mark to Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani products on the basis of third- party evaluation of quality in accordance with the status of compliance to domestic and international standards.

• Ayush Quality Mark for Ayush products and services for Global standards has been launched during WHO Global Summit in December, 2025.

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in December 2025 includes an annex promoting trade in Ayush and other traditional medicine services, strengthening global recognition, supporting medical value travel, wellness collaboration, and reinforcing India’s position as a global health hub.

Further, the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) includes Oman’s first comprehensive commitment on Traditional Medicine across all modes of supply, creating significant opportunities for Ayush and wellness sectors in the Gulf region.

These initiatives have led to increased collaborative research and academic exchanges, progress in international standard-setting for Ayush systems, greater recognition in global health frameworks, and improved export opportunities through enhanced regulatory acceptance and market access.

(c) As far as measurable standardization in drug manufacturing is concerned, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs Rules, 1945 have exclusive regulatory provisions for Ayurvedic,Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Unani, and Homoeopathy drugs. Provisions related to Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Unani Drugs are contained in Chapter IVA and Schedule-I of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 151 to 169, Schedules E (I), T & TA of the Drugs Rules, 1945.

It is mandatory for the manufacturers to adhere to the prescribed requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) including proof of safety & effectiveness as per Schedule T & Schedule M-I of Drugs Rules, 1945 and quality standards of drugs given in the respective pharmacopoeia.

Further, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has established Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as its subordinate office.

PCIM&H lays down the formulary specifications and pharmacopoeial standards for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs which serves as official compendia for ascertaining the quality (identity, purity and strength) of the ASU&H drugs. As per the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and rules thereunder, the compliance to these quality standards are mandatory for the production of ASU&H drugs being manufactured in India.

PCIM&H also acts as the appellate Drugs testing Laboratory for testing or analysis of ASU&H Drugs. In addition, it conducts capacity-building trainings at regular intervals for the standardization, quality control, and testing or analysis of ASU&H drugs for Drug Regulatory Authorities, Drug Analysts, and other relevant stakeholders, with a focus on laboratory techniques and methodologies essential for ensuring the quality of ASU&H drugs.

In addition, Rule 160 A to J of the Drugs Rules, 1945 provides the regulatory guidelines for approval of Drug Testing Laboratory for carrying out tests of identity, purity, quality and strength of Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Unani drugs as may be required under the provisions of these rules. As on date, 34 State/UTs Drug Testing Laboratories and 108 private laboratories are approved or licensed under the provisions of Drugs Rules, 1945 for quality testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Unani drugs and raw materials.

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