Governent sets up drug testing lab

BHUBANESWAR: Even as standardisation and validation of drugs manufactured under the alternative systems of medicine have become a pressing issue, the State Government has made a start by establishing an advanced drug testing laboratory- cum-research centre at the Government Ayurveda Hospital here.The facility, first of its kind in the State, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Sunday.The Rs 1-crore centre has been equipped with the latest testing apparatus and equipment along with infrastructure for research. The laboratory would conduct standardisation tests on drugs manufactured by Ayurveda practitioners. It would also handle Siddha and Unani medicines.The main objective is to mainstream the alternative systems of medicine as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Naturopathy, Yoga and Siddha through its AYUSH programme. The Government has recognised Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani under AYUSH and has posted practitioners in the peripheral health centres across the State.The issue of standardisation of Ayurveda medicines has assumed significance as the demand for herbal drugs has begun to grow manifold across the world. Production of medicines under the alternative systems is now being subjected to stringent quality and standard mechanisms to ensure acceptance and confidence among the people.The new facility aims to achieve just that by certifying the quality and standards but also facilitating research under the most advanced conditions to spur development and growth of the alternative systems.Presently, there are about three Government Ayurveda drug manufacturing units along with another 147 registered private ones.Government Ayurveda Medical Colleges are at Puri, Berhampur and Balangir apart from three private institutions.Among others, Health Minister Prasanna Acharya was present.