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RSS-backed body wants Ayurveda, Siddha in "integrated" medicine curriculum

AYUSH
19-December, 2017 17:41 IST
Research on Ayurveda and Herbal Medicines

The Ministry of AYUSH has setup Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) for undertaking coordinating formulating, developing and promoting research on scientific lines in Ayurveda. The activities are carried out through 30 institute/Centres/Units under CCRAS located all over India and also through collaborative studies with various universities, hospitals and institutes. The research activities of the council include medicinal plant research (Medico-ethno botanical survey, pharmacognosy and tissue culture), Drug Standardization Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation, and other outreach activities

One research institute viz. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, is functioning in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. However, the scope of the Research undertaken by the Institutes of CCRAS is spread over the entire country and is not confined to the states of Gujarat or Jharkhand as it is in the public domain for the benefit of all the citizens of the country.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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AYUSH
19-December, 2017 17:36 IST
Measures to Check Sale of Spurious AYUSH Medicines

As per information reported by the States, 11889 samples of AYUSH medicines were tested in 24 States during 2013-14 to 2015-16, out of which 254 samples failed in the quality testing. State Licensing Authorities reported to have taken actions against the samples not complying with the standards including issue of show cause notice to the manufacturers, suspension /cancellation of license, recall of the concerned batch of medicines from the market and prosecution.

Regulatory provisions for Spurious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines are prescribed in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. The penalty provisions are also defined in Section 33-I of the Act for the defaulter to be punished with imprisonment for a term up to three years determined by the court and certain monetary fine. The responsibility to enforce these provisions is vested with the concerned State Governments.

Government has implemented a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission through which grant-in-aid from Rs 1.00 lakh to Rs 2.00 lakh per dispensary/hospital per annum is provided for supply of essential AYUSH medicines to the States on approval of the State Annual Action Plans. States are required to procure these medicines in accordance with the Essential Drugs Lists published by the Central Government and at least 50% of the grant funds have to be utilized for procurement of medicines from Central or State Public Sector Undertakings/Cooperative pharmacies.

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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
19-December, 2017 13:44 IST
3,013 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras functional in 33 States/UTs: Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya

Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today, informed that as on 13.12.2017, 3,013 ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras’ are functional in 33 States/UTs of the country. A State/UT-wise list of 3,013 functional PMBJP Kendras is as below:


S. No.
State/UT
Number of PMBJP Kendras


1
Punjab
68

2
Delhi
40

3
Haryana
65

4
Uttar Pradesh
472

5
Uttrakhand
93

6
Madhya Pradesh
86

7
Tripura
24

8
Mizoram
7

9
Andhra Pradesh
125

10
Gujarat
255

11
Karnataka
225

12
Rajasthan
92

13
Maharashtra
200

14
Odisha
65

15
Chandigarh
5

16
Jammu & Kashmir
32

17
Himachal Pradesh
26

18
Jharkhand
46

19
Bihar
84

20
Kerala
315

21
Chattisgarh
193

22
Arunachal Pradesh
24

23
Telangana
70

24
Tamil Nadu
242

25
Assam
49

26
West Bengal
40

27
Nagaland
11

28
Manipur
36

29
Dadar & Nagar Haveli
7

30
Puducherry
10

31
Daman & Diu
3

32
Sikkim
2

33
Meghalaya
1

34
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
0

35
Goa
0

36
Lakshadweep
0

Total
3013




The situation of shortage of medicines and gap in the distribution of the medicines from Central Ware House (CWH) of Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) (the implementing agency of PMBJP) to PMBJP Kendras has been improved and as on 13.12.2017, the Minister informed.


647 medicines and 129 surgical & consumables are available in CWH for sale covering 23 major therapeutic groups. BPPI has also initiated end to end supply solution to supply the medicines and other PMBJP products directly to PMBJP Kendras from CWH to reduce the time and cost. This will improve the supply position further, Shri Mandaviya informed.


Further, the Minister stated that to improve the distribution system of medicines to PMBJP Kendras/shops, Government has appointed 55 Distributors, 8 Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) Agents and 1 Central Ware House (CWH). To increase the profitability of PMBJP Kendra owners, trade margins have been revised from 16% to 20% for retailers under the scheme.


Incentives are provided to PMBJP Kendras run by private entrepreneurs/ pharmacists/ NGOs/ Charitable organizations that are linked with BPPI’s software will get incentive upto Rs. 2.5 lakhs. This will be given @ 15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10,000/ per month and in case of north eastern states, naxal affected areas and tribal areas, ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per month upto a total limit of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. Awareness drives have been started through print media, television advertisements, FM radio, outdoor publicity, social media, etc., informed Shri Mandaviya.


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AYUSH
22-December, 2017 16:06 IST
Steps to Boost Export of AYUSH Products


Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Pharmexcil organized the International AROGYA 2017 – First Edition of International Exhibition and Conference on AYUSH and Wellness with the theme ‘Enhancing the export potential of AYUSH’. The event was attended by International Ayurveda Experts/ Academicians/ Scientists/ Regulators/ Manufacturers. During the International Conference and Regulators Meet important topics relating to Standardization and Quality Control in AYUSH Sector, Enhancing the export potential of AYUSH and Business opportunities, Integrative Healthcare etc. were extensively deliberated to understand the International perspective. International AROGYA with the participation of AYUSH manufacturers showcased the strength of the AYUSH systems of medicine.


The Ministry of AYUSH offers incentives to the AYUSH industry under its Central Sector Scheme for International Cooperation (i) to get market authorization/ registration for their product(s) at regulatory bodies of different countries such as USFDA/EMEA/UK-MHRA/ NHPD/ TGA etc. to enhance their exports (ii) for participation in international exhibitions, trade fairs, road shows etc. to create awareness about the efficacy of their products.


In addition to the above, for facilitating exports, Ministry of AYUSH encourages following certifications of AYUSH products as per details below:-


(i) Voluntary Quality Certification of Pharmaceutical Products (CoPP) under ITS Guidelines


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



Besides, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry provides support for enhancing export of traditional medicines through Pharmexcil by giving opportunity to small and medium scale companies for facilitating business meetings and also providing a global platform to showcase their products. Pharmexcil organises Buyer-Sellers and Reverse Buyer-Sellers Meets focused on AYUSH and AYUSH related products.


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Total Value of the AYUSH & Herbal Products for last 3 Financial Year and Current Year (upto September, 2017)

Values in Millions US $

COMMODITY
AYUSH AND HERBAL PRODUCTS

2014-15
QTY(KGS)
92059212


VALUES
354.68


2015-16
QTY(KGS)
95883497

VALUES
364.00



2016-17
QTY(KGS)
83357976


VALUES
401.68



2017-18(UPTO SEP 2017)
QTY(KGS)

42270028

VALUES
208.90

Note: 2017-18 figures are provisionalare

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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AYUSH
22-December, 2017 16:03 IST
All India Institute of Ayurveda becomes Fully Operational

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has been established at Sarita Vihar, New Delhi as an Autonomous Body under Ministry of AYUSH on All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) pattern with all the infrastructure including doctors/staff. The Institute has been dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister of India on 17th October, 2017. The Institute is fully operational.



AIIA is a 200 bedded referral hospital and shall impart Post Graduate (PG) and Ph.D degree courses in Ayurveda. First batch of Post Graduate course has been started in 2016. Institute has also started Out-Patient Department (OPD) and In-Patient Department (IPD) facility with major specialties in Ayurveda.



The number of patients registered and treated during the last three years are as under:-


Out-Patient Department(OPD)

· Nov, 2015 – Dec, 2015 = 10,045**

· Jan, 2016 – Dec, 2016 = 1,22,243

· Jan, 2017 to Nov, 2017 = 1,57,638

** OPD started in November, 2015


This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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AYUSH
22-December, 2017 15:58 IST
Government Set Up Educational Institutions Under the National AYUSH Mission




Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for development and promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in the country. The Mission inter-alia makes the following provisions which include upgradation and strengthening of infrastructure of AYUSH:

(i) Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Districts Hospitals (DHs).


(ii) Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.


(iii) Setting up of upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.

(iv) Upgradation of State Government Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Educational Institutions.

(v) Setting up of new State Government AYUSH Educational Institutions in the States where it is not available in Government Sector.

(vi) Strengthening of State Government/State Government Co-operatives/Public Sector Undertakings Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies

(vii) Strengthening of State Drug Testing Laboratories for ASU &H Drugs

(viii) Support for cultivation of Medicinal Plant including processing and post-harvest management

As per the provision of NAM, the Government has provided grant-in-aid for setting up of AYUSH educational institutions in States/UTs where such educational institutions are not available in Government sector as per the proposals received through State Annual Action Plan (SAAP).

Status of approval for setting up of AYUSH educational institution under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) during 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2017-18

(Rs. In Lakh)

Sl. No
Name of State/ UT
Name of the educational institutions/No. of Units
Amount approved including State Share


2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18


1

Andhra Pradesh
(1) Establishment of Govt. Naturopathy & Yoga Medical College, Vishakhapatnam

-
-
320.00
-

2
Arunachal Pradesh
(1) Establishment of new Government Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital at Tezu, Lohit District.
-
222.220
-
-

3
Karnataka
(1) Setting up of new Govt. Naturecure & Yoga College at Mysore
139.38
254.26
200.00
261.742

(2) Men-Tsee-Khang (Sowa Rigpa) College of Dalai Lama's Institute of Higher Education, Sheshagirihalli, Bidadi Hobali, Ramanagara Disstt.
-
-
333.33
-

4
Manipur
(1) Homoeopathic Medical College at Lamphelpat, Manipur
-
272.00
-
-

5
Punjab
(1) Guru Ravidas Ayurved University, Hoshiarpur
94.86
-
-
-

6
Rajasthan
(1) Dr. Sarvpalli Radha Krishnan Rajasthan, Ayurved University, Jodhpur
-
-
592.72
-

7
Sikkim
(1) Construction of Sowa Rigpa in Namgyal Institute of Tebetology, Deaorali, Gangtok
-
-
708.66
-

8
Haryana
(1) Unani College & Hospital to be established in Village, Akera, Distt. Nuh
-
-
-
100.00

9
Uttarakhand
(1) Setting of new Govt. Unani College, Uttarakhand
-
-
-
22.55


Total
10 Units

139.38
748.48
2154.71
384.29



This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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AYUSH
22-December, 2017 15:56 IST
National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy



A Committee under the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Chief Executive Officer (CEO),NITI Aayog and Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH as members has been set up to examine the working of the regulatory bodies namely, Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central Council of Homoeopathy(CCH) and their governing legislations namely, Indian Medicine Central Council Act 1970 and Homoeopathy Central Council Act 1973 respectively for suggesting suitable reforms. Accordingly, the Committee after extensive deliberations has recommended the creation of National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy on the lines of proposed National Medical Commission.

There are two statutory regulatory bodies namely, Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH) set up as per the provision of Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 respectively that regulate education and practice of AYUSH systems of medicine through its Regulations.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
 
President's Secretariat
16-January, 2018 14:38 IST
President of India addresses 45th Convocation of AIIMS; says it is for society to profit from Medical Science – it is not for medical science to profiteer from society

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 45th convocation of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi today (January 16, 2018).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that AIIMS is a national centre of excellence. In medical research and healthcare, it is a model for the country. The name “AIIMS” has become a byword for quality, commitment and rich experience. The faculty and doctors, as well as of course the students, are the pride of our medical fraternity and our nation.

The President advised the graduating doctors that as they go into the world – a world that needs their services more than ever before – they should remember that they need to give back to society. He stated that it is true that they need to be legitimately rewarded for their academic excellence, their medical skills and their expertise. Yet, as doctors, their services must be available both to those who can afford their fees and also to those who are less fortunate and cannot. Disease does not distinguish between rich and poor but unfortunately the poor suffer the most. It is for society to profit from medical science – it is not for medical science to profiteer from society.

Pointing out the shortage of doctors in our country, the President said that doctors need help in the form of more colleagues. And this is where we need a new regulatory system to enhance availability of doctors and medical professionals in our society. In the absence of this, the work-load on our doctors is very high.

The President said that currently our medical colleges, whether run by the government or private institutions, have only about 67,000 undergraduate seats and 31,000 postgraduate seats. In a country of 1.3 billion people this is highly inadequate. We have to overcome regulatory bottlenecks and interest groups that have prevented the growth of quality medical education in our country. This gives us far fewer medical graduates and postgraduates every year than our people need. It also leads to aspiring medical students seeking admission in colleges in other countries – simply because they have limited options at home. This is simply not acceptable. As a nation, we need to address this situation very urgently. We need to create more opportunities for those young people who want to make medicine their calling.



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President's Secretariat
16-January, 2018 14:36 IST
Speech by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the 45th Annual Convocation of AIIMS

  1. It is a matter of great happiness for me to be here for the 45th convocation ceremony of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences or AIIMS. This institution is a national centre of excellence. In medical research and healthcare, it is a model for the country. The name “AIIMS” has become a byword for quality, commitment and rich experience. The faculty and doctors, as well as of course the students, are the pride of our medical fraternity and our nation. I must compliment every member of the AIIMS family for keeping up these exceptional standards, despite very difficult circumstances.
  1. I am especially happy to address the students and residents – those energetic young doctors and nurses – who are graduating today and getting their degrees. My congratulations to them, and in particular to those who have won medals and awards. This is a landmark moment in your lives. You have joined an illustrious list of medical graduates and postgraduates from AIIMS. Your success is a result of your hard work, as well as the efforts of your teachers and professors – and the sacrifices of your families. In a large measure, it has also been assisted by society – which has contributed to the setting up and maintenance of an institution such as AIIMS.
  2. As such, as you go into the world – a world that needs your services more than ever before – please remember that you need to give back to society. It is true that you need to be legitimately rewarded for your academic excellence, your medical skills and your expertise. Yet, as doctors, your services must be available both to those who can afford your fees and also to those who are less fortunate and cannot afford. Disease does not distinguish between rich and poor but unfortunately poor suffer the most. It is for society to profit from medical science – it is not for medical science to profiteer from society.
  3. Patients and their families have great trust in you and see you as next to God. It is upon you to ensure that the trust is given due respect and that you treat them with care and compassion.
  4. A key role in meeting our health challenges is played by our very vigilant and very skilled nurses and paramedics. Their work almost never stops. Their sense of duty and compassion has made Indian nurses – both women and men – among the most outstanding professionals in our country, across all fields. In this context, I must make a special mention of the nursing students who are graduating today. My congratulations to all of you.
  5. India is a country of paradoxes. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our public health. Traditional challenges such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and TB – along with maternal and child mortality figures that are improving but are still worrying – are a concern. On the other hand, non-communicable diseases and what are called life-style diseases are emerging as big killers. These could be related to the heart or to the brain, as well as to a host of cancers and pollution sources that we are increasingly exposed to.
  6. In our country, both obesity and malnutrition are substantial public health issues. And in our country, we have a very large child population as well as one of the world’s largest populations of senior people. Both these groups pose very different but very real challenges to our healthcare system and our doctors and nurses.
  7. Despite the progress we have made, gaps remain. For example, Indian companies are among the world’s biggest manufacturers of vaccines. These vaccines are supplied across the globe. Our innovative medical scientists have even developed new vaccines. Even so, our own immunisation record remains below desirable levels. Many of our children, particularly in far-flung and difficult-to-access areas, do not get the full course of immunisation. In this context, I must appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under Shri J.P. Nadda. By launching programmes like Mission Indradhanush, it is urgently trying to fill the immunisation gap and protect all our children – the future of our country – from killer diseases.
  8. The scenario I have described above requires coordinated action by all stakeholders: Whether in the government or the private sector; whether at the grassroots, in the form of our dedicated ASHA workers and ANMs, or by specialists in leading referral hospitals such as AIIMS. The use of technology and the adoption of telemedicine, at least for diagnosis, will also go a long way in taking healthcare to those who need it most. Cutting-edge research in institutions such as AIIMS will be fundamental to taking on emerging diseases and health challenges.
  9. In all this, the principal actors, the fulcrum of the medical system, are the doctors – all of you who are being awarded degrees today. Without you the system will not work. Led by you, it is for all of us to ensure that India’s healthcare efforts reach every citizen and not just some citizens. It is for you to ensure that healthcare indices for the entire population reach acceptable levels during our lifetime. This is how the battle against polio, and earlier smallpox, was fought and won. Those victories must inspire us and spur us to a healthier India in all its dimensions.
Ladies and Gentlemen

  1. I recognise that I am placing a big responsibility on the capable shoulders of our doctors. But I also acknowledge that our doctors need help. They need help in the form of more colleagues. And this is where we need a new regulatory system to enhance availability of doctors and medical professionals in our society. In the absence of this, the workload on our doctors is very high – I would say un-realistically high. I have no doubt that the hard-working doctors at AIIMS, who so diligently treat so many patients every day, will agree with me.
  2. Currently our medical colleges, whether run by the government or private institutions, have only about 67,000 undergraduate seats and 31,000 postgraduate seats. In a country of 1.3 billion people this is highly inadequate. We have to overcome regulatory bottlenecks and interest groups that have prevented the growth of quality medical education in our country. This gives us far fewer medical graduates and postgraduates every year than our people need. It also leads to aspiring medical students seeking admission in colleges in other countries – simply because they have limited options at home.
  3. You will agree that this is simply not acceptable. As a nation, we need to address this situation very urgently. We need to create more opportunities for those young people who want to make medicine their calling.
  4. On that optimistic note, I would like to conclude. I would once again like to congratulate those who are being awarded their degrees today, as well as the exceptional AIIMS community. May all of you have many more years of service to medicine, to our nation and to humanity.
Thank you

Jai Hind!

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Vice President's Secretariat
16-January, 2018 20:02 IST
Organ donation should be a national movement: Vice President

Shri M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates in Chennai the celebrations for “1,000 liver transplants in Tamil Nadu”

The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has called upon the people of the country to turn Organ Donation into a National Level Mass Movement. He also asked people leaving the country for better opportunities to come back and serve the motherland – Learn, Earn & Return, he said.

Tamil Nadu Governor Shri Banwarilal Purohit, State Health Minister Dr. C. Vijaya Baskar and Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan were also present at the event to celebrate successful completion of One thousand liver transplantations in Tamil Nadu, in Chennai today.

The Vice President said that Organ Donation is a noble way of living beyond death. We must encourage people on the importance of Organ Donation and make them participate in such righteous cause. It is the best way to live after death, he said.

Voicing concerns over the rise of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), particularly among youngsters, the Vice President said that the present-day lifestyles are hugely contributing to this menace. Avoiding consumption of junk food and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, ending sedentary lifestyles and doing regular exercises or Yoga-Asanas are essential for people, particularly the youth, to remain healthy and not fall prey to various diseases, he said.

The Vice President said that complex procedures like liver transplantation must be in the reach of common man. One of the ways to make it more affordable is to create the necessary expertise and facilities in government hospitals like what Tamil Nadu is doing, he said.

He further said that health insurance schemes must cover wider segments of population and procedures like liver and heart transplants must be included so that nobody is denied access to badly needed medical treatment for want of affordability. Partnerships need to be forged between Public and Private Healthcare Institutions to ensure quality and affordable treatment to the common man with the Government providing subsidy if needed, he added.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting an award, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120506.jpg


The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting an award, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120507.jpg

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting an award, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120508.jpg

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120509.jpg


The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120510.jpg

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018. The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda is also seen.
s20180116120511.jpg


The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda awarded degrees to the graduating students, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.
s20180116120527.jpg


The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda awarded degrees to the graduating students, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.
s20180116120528.jpg


The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda awarded degrees to the graduating students, at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.
s20180116120529.jpg


The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda addressing at the 45th Institute Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at AIIMS, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.
s20180116120530.jpg
 
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Vice President's Secretariat
Explore ancient medical systems like Ayurveda for alternative solutions for Cancer treatments: Vice President

Yoga training should be imparted to students as part of ensuring healthy lifestyles; Vice-President asks researchers to come out with path-breaking advances to prevent cancer.

Addresses the Graduation Ceremony at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai

Posted On: 22 JAN 2018 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has asked the medical researchers to come up with path breaking advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer. He was addressing the Graduation Ceremony at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai today. The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that researchers must explore ancient Indian medical systems like Ayurveda for alternative solutions. We should see if there are some indigenous cost-effective solutions that may be useful to make cancer treatment more affordable, he added.

The Vice President said that Cancer is a major public health concern in India and has become one of the 10 leading causes of deaths. He further said that Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases and also a very costly disease in terms of treatment. A better understanding of the likely causes and early detection could help reduce the disease burden in our country, he added.

The Vice President asked doctors and students in the medical profession to create awareness on the need to observe personal hygiene and maintain sanitation. Lack of personal hygiene causes infections like HPV, which in turn has the potential to cause cancer of the cervix, he added.

The Vice President said that regarding treatment of cancer patients, there is a need to operate more number of palliative care centres or hospices. Such centres are needed to provide relief from pain and emotional distress to suffering patients, he added.

The Vice President has appealed government, media and doctors to promote measures that prevent cancer. He also said that there is further need to educate people about available treatment options.

The Vice President said that the screening of people will help in early detection of cancer. He also wanted the people to go back to roots, especially the way we live and the way we think. He said awareness must be created, particularly, among youngsters, on the need to lead healthy lifestyles and avoid consumption of junk food.

The Vice President said that Yoga training should be imparted to students as part of ensuring healthy lifestyles. Yoga is a holistic approach to healthy living and there is evidence that it enhances the well being and quality of life, he added.



Following is the text of Vice President’s address:

“I am happy to be with all of you at the graduation ceremony in which the students of the Tata Memorial Centre are being awarded various degrees.

It is a day of celebration and an important day in the life of this illustrious institution that was founded almost eighty years ago. It is a memorable day in the life of the students and teachers as they complete an important milestone in the sacred mission of transmission of knowledge and skills. It is a joyous occasion for the parents of the students as they see their wards move on successfully in their educational journey.

This institution has a long and impressive track record of serving the suffering humanity.

Cancer is a major public health concern in India and has become one of the ten leading causes of deaths.

In India, it is estimated that there are about 3 million cases of cancer at any particular point of time with 10 lakh new cases occurring every year. About 5 lakh deaths occur annually in the country due to cancer in India.

Nearly two-thirds of the patients present themselves in advanced stages that are not amenable to cure. Nearly half of them die within a year of diagnosis.

Fortunately, nearly two-thirds of the cancers are completely preventable and amenable to early detection. Greater awareness and early detection are therefore very critical for reducing the incidence of cancer.

I am pleased to learn that Tata Memorial Centre, a Constituent Institute of Homi Bhabha National Institute (Deemed to be University), which offers super-specialty and PG courses, trains the largest Human Resource for the management of Cancers in India including training of Sub-Saharan African doctors, Nurses and Doctors from Myanmar, Bangladesh and other countries.

I commend TMC for providing its technical know-how for setting up cancer hospitals and cancer wings at Government Medical Colleges and other Centers. I am told that TMC under Department of Atomic Energy has started setting up new Cancer Care Centres at Mohali, Punjab, Banaras Hindu Campus, Varanasi, Railway Cancer Hospital, Varanasi,Cancer Hospital, Vishakhapatnam and Booraha Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam.

I am also delighted to learn that Tata Memorial Hospital has launched a new programme called "Navigation Program for Patient Care - KEVAT". For the first time in India, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has introduced a new specialty in Healthcare. In collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences and support from Tata Trust, a one year (full time) Advanced Diploma in Patient Navigation(KEVAT) is being offered. I think this is a step in the right direction. Very often, patients and their families don’t understand diagnoses, are not aware of various treatment options and available resources. This course will create a specialized workforce of trained professionals to help patients manage their medical experience. It will assist all sections of society, particularly vulnerable populations, to overcome barriers to health care access.

By assisting patients with navigating through complicated and multi-step health care system, the doctors will earn the much-needed trust and goodwill.

Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases and also a very costly disease in terms of treatment. A better understanding of the likely causes and early detection could help reduce the disease burden in our country. According to projections made by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2016, the total number of new cases is expected to touch 17.3 lakh by 2020. It has been estimated that the number of deaths due to cancer is likely to reach 8.8 lakh cases by 2020. The data also showed that only 12.5 per cent of patients come for treatment in the early stages of the disease. Breast cancer was the most common among women, while the incidence of mouth cancer was highest among men.

The burden of cancer is expected to further increase due to increase in life expectancy, lifestyle factors, unhealthy dietary habits, growing usage of carcinogenic substances such as tobacco, betel nut and alcohol. Infection with certain virus and obesity are directly attributable to cancers of cervix and breast respectively.

In Maharashtra, the leading sites of cancer in men are the cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, esophagus (food pipe). These cancers are related to use of tobacco, supari and alcohol. Making lifestyle changes by avoiding the cancer-inducing substances can reduce the incidence of these cancers.

In women, the commonest are cancers of cervix, breast and oral cavity. Cervix cancers can be eliminated by providing basic amenities to women such as running water and privacy of a toilet. Awareness has to be created on the need to observe personal hygiene and maintain sanitation. Lack of personal hygiene causes infections like HPV, which in turn has the potential to cause cancer of the cervix.

Breast cancer can be controlled by measures for obesity control. Simple interventions such as Visual Examination of Cervix by health worker and regular breast self examination have proven to be beneficial for early detection.

With non-communicable diseases on the rise, concerted action is need from all stakeholders, including health professionals on creating awareness among the people, particularly youngsters, on the need to lead healthy lifestyles and avoid consumption of junk food, alcohol and tobacco.

According to Factsheet of Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India 2016-17 (GATS-2), 19.0 per cent of men, 12.8 per cent of women and 21.4 per cent of all adults smoke tobacco; 42. 4 per cent of men, 14.2 per cent of women and 28.6 per cent of all adults either smoke tobacco and/ or use smokeless tobacco.

Right from school days, Yoga training should be imparted to students as part of ensuring healthy lifestyles. I would like to emphasize that Yoga is a holistic approach to healthy living and there is evidence that it enhances the well being and quality of life.

As regards treatment of cancer patients, there is a need to operate more number of palliative care centres or hospices. Such centres are needed to provide relief from pain and emotional distress to suffering patients.

I am glad that Tata Memorial Centre with its mission of “service, education & research”, is one of the largest tertiary cancer centres in India and is serving the needs of a large population with a record of 65,000 new cases registered and five to six lakh cases coming for follow-up at Tata Memorial Hospital.



Dear students,

You are privileged to be graduating from this institution of excellence. You have successfully acquired new knowledge and skills.

You have chosen a profession that is the noblest among all the professions. In the Indian tradition, doctors are considered to be embodiments of divinity because they can make a difference between life and death. One of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, incidentally, is ‘VAIDYA’.

The patients come to the doctor with great expectations. They look for soothing words, healing touch and a medicine that will restore them to good health.

Your specialization here is even more challenging because cancer is generally perceived as an incurable disease and impossible to root out.

The prolonged treatment with its attendant pain and financial resource drain can be so stressful to the patients and their families. There is tremendous suffering, anxiety and it is usually a traumatic experience for the entire family.



Dear students,

You have multiple challenges ahead of you but I am sure many of the basic skills you need in your profession, you have already acquired during your stay in this institute. But, then, there are no full stops in education. There are only commas and semi-colons. You will have to constantly learn. You must strive to be the best in your field.

I congratulate each one of you on your achievements for which you are being awarded degrees today. I do hope you will continue to research the causes of cancer and find new ways to alleviate human suffering.

I would urge you to broaden your knowledge base and practice medicine with greater competence, confidence and compassion.

You should try to explore if the ancient Indian medical systems like Ayurveda can offer some alternative solutions. According to some scholars, cancer treatment with Ayurveda goes back to 7th century BC, where Atreya and Dhanwanthari used herbal medicines for treating early stages of cancer. We should see if there are some indigenous cost-effective solutions that may be useful to make cancer treatment more affordable.

I urge all the medical researchers across the country to focus on research and come up with path breaking advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In fact, as a country, we must devote more energy to research and development. We may get some insights from the past that may be useful to illuminate the future. We must access the state of the art from the countries around the world.

I am extremely pleased that that the Tata family has established this Centre and also many institutions of excellence. The private sector has been playing an important role in nation building and the Tatas have been the forerunners in many ways. I hope many other industrial houses will demonstrate their social commitment by establishing many more social enterprises and institutions for the larger public good.

I congratulate the Dean and the faculty members of the Tata Memorial Centre who are shaping this institution as a centre of excellence in teaching and research.

I wish you and the Centre many more fruitful years in your most noble endeavour to bring relief to the patients suffering from cancer. I am glad that the Homi Bhabha National Institute is harnessing nuclear power for improving the quality of life of our citizens and has set new benchmarks of academic excellence. My sincerest appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and his dedicated team of professionals.

I once again appreciate the commitment and caring attitude of the doctors in this centre.

I wish them all the very best in their efforts to ensure that the students are exposed to the state of the art in the specialized fields each of them is pursuing here.



JAI HIND!

***
 
AYUSH
23-January, 2018 16:16 IST
AYUSH Minister lays foundation stone for Homeopathy Research Institute in Jaipur

The Minister of State (IC), for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik laid the foundation stone for Central Research Institute (CRI) in Jaipur on 22nd January 2018. This will be the third CRI under the aegis of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous body of Ministry of AYUSH for undertaking scientific research in Homoeopathy, with 23 institutes across the country.

In his address during the stone laying ceremony, Sh. Naik said that Ministry of AYUSH is determined towards a focused infrastructural push to Homoeopathy and other systems of AYUSH. He further said that strengthening of infrastructure of research institutes meant more quality research, and therefore, more evidence-based information on Homoeopathy. With this aim, homoeopathy research institutes at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Lucknow in UP and Siligudi in West Bengal are in the pipeline the Minister disclosed. The Minister complimented the state of Rajasthan for being the leading state in the field of Homoeopathic education. He further hoped that Rajasthan will soon be leading in terms of homoeopathy research too.

The institute is also contributing to the Swasthya Rakshan Program at five adopted villages i.e. Chharsa, Kumbhawas, Sakatpura, Khoraladkhani, Hanutpura. Under National Health Mission, 19 villages under Amber block are being catered to for the program “Healthy Teething in Children through Homoeopathy”.

On this occasion, Shri Vaidye Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, also expressed his solidarity towards further development of homoeopathy. Dr. Girendra Pal, Project officer RRI (H), Jaipur and Dr. Raj Kumar Manchanda, Director General CCRH, Dr. S. Bhuvaneswari, Research Officer(H), Scientist - 4, Dr. J.D. Daryani, Chairperson Drug Proving Committee, CCRH, Prof. C.B. Nayak, Vice Chancellor, Homoeopathy University were also present on this occasion.
 
Vice President's Secretariat
02-February, 2018 20:58 IST
Government and private sector must join hands to strengthen PHC’s: Vice President

Police should adopt people friendly policies: Vice President Lays Foundation Stone for Primary healthcare Centre & Police Station in Atukuru village near Vijayawada

The Vice President of India, Shri, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Government and private sector must join hands to strengthen Primary Health Centers which play a key role in supplying low cost essential medicines to rural areas. He was addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Primary healthcare Centre in Atukuru village near Vijayawada today. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. K. Sreenivas, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kollu Ravindra and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the Private hospitals along with government hospitals should take part in providing Primary Health services at remote level. PHC is the cornerstone upon which most of the health delivery systems of a nation are built. Goal of PHC should be to make universal health care available to all people and reach the unreached in the remote corners of the country, he said.

The Vice President said that it is important for professionals who provide primary care need to posses’ clinical, management skills, as well as social skills to bring in a humane approach. At times, they must also play the role of counselors to get people out of trauma in some situations, he said.

The Vice President said that strengthening Police Force will improve the law and order situation in the society. He further said that good policing is the need of the hour. Police should adopt people friendly policies in addressing the law and order situation.


***

Vice President's Secretariat
02-February, 2018 20:45 IST
Private Sector Need to Come Forward In Health-Care Sector In India: Vice President

Inaugurates additional facilities at the Shankara Netra Chikitsalaya in Vijayawada
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the private sector need to come forward in health-care sector in India to fulfill the health-care requirements. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the additional facilities at the Shankara Netra Chikitsalaya in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh today. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kamineni Sreenivas and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that screening of the people to identify defects in eyesight is essential and Government health institutions and private bodies must join hands to undertake such screening programmes. Taking proper care of the eyes through periodic checkups is very essential as any defect in the eyesight will impact the individual in performing daily tasks be it at office or home, he added.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Vice President said that health is real wealth and it is more relevant today than ever before as materialism and consumerism have become the bane of the modern day society. He further said that despite new breakthroughs in medical field, non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases and cancer are on the rise. While the private sector is playing an important role in expanding healthcare facilities, it should also ensure that the common man is not burdened by the cost of medical treatment, he added.

The Vice President said that there is a need to increase awareness on diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness among diabetics. Diabetics must get evaluated regularly for early detection and treatment of retinopathy. It is believed that 80 per cent of childhood blindness is preventable and treatable, he added.

The Vice President asked to introduce yoga in all schools for the overall development of children. Yoga will not only help in physical well-being but in mental peace too. Yoga has nothing to do with any religion although some people are propagating false notions in this regard, he added.



***
 
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp at an event to inaugurate additional facilities, at Shankara Netra Chikitsalaya, the Eye-care Centre, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. K. Sreenivas and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating the additional facilities, at Shankara Netra Chikitsalaya, the Eye-care Centre, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after inaugurating the additional facilities, at Shankara Netra Chikitsalaya, the Eye-care Centre, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to unveil plaques of Foundation Stones for Primary Health Centre and Police Station, in Atkur village, in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. K. Sreenivas, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kollu Ravindra and other dignitaries are also seen.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiling the plaque of Foundation Stone for Police Station, in Atkur village, in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. K. Sreenivas, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kollu Ravindra and other dignitaries are also seen.
s20180202121556.jpg


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiling the plaque of Foundation Stone for Primary Health Centre, in Atkur village, in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. K. Sreenivas, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kollu Ravindra and other dignitaries are also seen.

s20180202121557.jpg


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after unveiling the plaques of Foundation Stones for Primary Health Centre and Police Station, in Atkur village, in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh on February 02, 2018.


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AYUSH
06-February, 2018 15:33 IST
78 new colleges teaching Ayurvedic, Unani, Homoeopathy and Siddha Medicine during the academic year 2017-18

There are 78 number of new colleges teaching Ayurvedic Medicine, Unani Medicine and Homoeopathy as well as Siddha during the academic year 2017-18 which are currently functioning. The total strength of students in these new institutions is 6020 and the total strength of qualified teachers enrolled and recruited in these new institutions is 1207.

New Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic colleges have to fulfil the minimum standards requirement in terms of infrastructure, teaching and training facilities referred in Indian Medicine Central Council (Requirement of Minimum standards for under graduate Ayurveda Colleges and attached hospitals) Regulation 2016, Indian Medicine Central Council (Requirement of Minimum standards for under graduate Unani Colleges and attached hospitals) Regulation 2016, Indian Medicine Central Council (Requirement of Minimum standards for under graduate Siddha Colleges and attached hospitals) Regulation 2016 and Homoeopathic Central Council (Minimum standards Requirement of Homoeopathic colleges and attached hospitals) Regulation 2013 to ensure that quality education is maintained.

Only such colleges which have complied to the requirement of said Regulations have been granted permission by the Central Government.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***

AYUSH
06-February, 2018 15:31 IST
Ayurvedic Medicine to Treat Diabetes

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in collaboration with Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has implemented and executed a programme viz. Integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda) component with National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) programme in the identified districts of 3 states viz. Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat) and Gaya (Bihar) to cater health care services and reduce the burden of NCDs by combining the strength of Ayurveda and Yoga. The programme was launched during Jan/Feb 2016 in 2 districts viz. Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat) and in Gaya (Bihar) the programme was launched in April 2016.

The programme is successfully functional in 52 centers (49 CHCs and 3 District Hospitals) all 3 identified districts. Till December 2017, 241886 patients have been screened for selected Non Communicable Disease, out of which 54991 patients have been enrolled for selected NCDs under this programme and out of which 23699 Diabetic patients have been enrolled and given treatment, Dietary regimen and Yoga classes.

CCRAS has developed an anti-diabetic formulation namely AYUSH-82 and commercialized to several pharmaceutical companies through National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi.

CSIR, has developed after standardization and pre-clinical studies conducted jointly by CSIR-CIMAP and CSIR-NBRI a formulation BGR34, which is meant to be used by patients of newly diagnosed diabetes only as a measure of management of the disease.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***

AYUSH
06-February, 2018 15:32 IST
CCRAS developed and commercialized Ayurvedic Drugs

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH is actively involved in scientific process of drug development adopting prevalent guidelines such as Good Clinical Practices Guidelines for ASU drugs (GCP-ASU), Ministry of AYUSH and National ethical guidelines for Bio-Medical Research (ICMR), WHO guidelines for traditional medicines etc. as per requirement and as feasible through its peripheral institutes. Council through its drug development program is undertaking development of new formulations/drugs taking leads from Ayurvedic literature through a systematic process of drug development. viz standardization, preclinical safety & clinical study as per requirement.

CCRAS has developed and commercialized the following two drugs:

  1. AYUSH 82 An Anti Diabetic Ayurvedic Formulation
  2. AYUSH SG An Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis preparation.
CCRAS has also undertaken the development of the following coded formulations which are at different phases of drug development:-

  1. AYUSH Manas for Mental retardation/cognitive deficit
  2. AYUSH QOL 2C for improving Quality of Life of Cancer patients
  3. AYUSH Rasayan A & B in geriatric health
  4. AYUSH C1 Oil for wound healing
  5. AYUSH PJ-7 for Dengue fever
  6. AYUSH M-3 for Migraine
  7. AYUSH SL for Filariasis
  8. AYUSH A for Bronchial Asthma
  9. AYUSH D for Type II Diabetes Mellitus
  10. Carctol S for Cancer
  11. AYUSH K1 for Chronic Kidney Diseases


This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

******


AYUSH
06-February, 2018 15:31 IST
Government set up quality control regulations and validations of herbal medicines


Central Government has published Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 645 single Ayurvedic drugs and 202 compound formulations; Unani Pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 298 single drugs and 150 compound formulations and Siddha pharmacopoeia containing quality standards of 139 single drugs. Standardised 985 Ayurvedic Formulations, 1229 Unani Formulations and 399 Siddha Formulations are published in respective Formularies. Development of standards of ASU medicines is a ongoing process taken up by Pharmacopoieal Commission of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy and Pharmacopoeia Committees. Central and State Drug Laboratories for testing of ASU medicines are in place and as of now 55 laboratories are approved under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. It is mandatory for the manufacturers to adhere to the prescribed requirements for licensing of manufacturing units & medicines including compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality standards of drugs given in the respective pharmacopoeia. Proof of safety & effectiveness required for issuing manufacturing license for various categories of ASU medicines is prescribed in Rule 158B of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Accordingly, the Licensing Authorities/Drugs Controllers appointed by the State Governments are empowered to grant or renew license for manufacturing of ASU medicines and to take necessary action against the defaulters acting in contravention of the legal provisions.

Herbal medicines as such are not defined in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules there under. However, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines made from herbal/plant materials and other ingredients are regulated in the country through exclusive quality control provisions given in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules there under. Instances of fake such medicines have been reported, which are defined in chapter IV A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 as spurious, misbranded and adulterated types along with the penal provisions for the defaulters. Complaints of substandard medicines are forwarded to the respective State Regulatory Authorities for taking action in accordance with the legal provisions.

Reports of testing of ASU drugs received in this regard from some of the states and central laboratory during 2017-18 are as under-

State
No. of drug samples taken for testing
No. of samples not qualified
Action taken in accordance with the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Rules.


Kerala
570
15
Prosecution action and Departmental action are being taken against the defaulters

Chhattisgarh
50
03
Action was taken as per recommendation of Screening Committee formed as per Govt. of India.

Chandigarh
432
Nil
-

Delhi
2346
19
08 cases are under process in Court.

Gujarat
76
00
----

Himachal Pradesh
487
44
Action has been taken as per Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945.

Odisha
53
Nil
---

Karnataka
1056
29
Failed batches of medicine are withdrawn from the Market.
Show cause notices issued and manufacturers instructed not to issue the failed batch of medicines.
Sale of failed batches of medicines banned.


Tamil nadu
1255
39
Show cause notices issued.

Telangana
315
Nil

Tripura
146
Nil


Uttarakhand
138
34
Show cause notices issued.

Pudducherry
16
Nil
Central Pharmacopoeia Laboratory of Indian Medicine (PLIM)
07
01

Test Reports submitted to Hon’ble Court.



This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
 
AYUSH
09-February, 2018 18:05 IST
International Conference on Unani Medicine to be inaugurated tomorrow


The Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the two-day International conference on Unani Medicine on 10th February, 2018 at New Delhi. This year is special for Unani fraternity as it is the 150th Birth Anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. To mark this day, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under the Ministry of AYUSH is organizing a two-day International Conference on Unani Medicine as part of celebration of Unani Day. The theme of the conference is Integration of Unani System of Medicine in main stream healthcare.

Various national level eminent personalities and stakeholders from academia, industry, regulators, and researchers in the field of Unani Medicine will participate in deliberations. Besides national delegates, countries like South Africa, UK, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, USA, Portugal, UAE, Slovenia, Israel, Hungary, Bahrain, Tajikistan, etc is also participating in the conference. The conference will cover issues related to globalization, research, standardization, quality control, safety assessment, and industry perspective. The conference is expected to provide a platform to academia, researchers, regulators, industry and students to develop visions, linkages and initiate projects which would help in promoting Unani system of medicine as one of the preferred systems of medicine across the globe. An exhibition showcasing Unani/herbal pharma sector, service providers, educational institutions, research organisations, also in the offing.

The Unani Day celebration will also include the bestowing awards to outstanding contributors in different fields of Unani Medicine i.e. literature, research, academic, life time achievement, etc. at 10.30 AM on 11th Feb, 2018 at A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. A Pictorial Album on the memoirs of Hakim Ajmal Khan would also be released to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. This function would be graced by eminent personalities including Padmashri Hakim Khaleefathullah, Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH and Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi among others.

The birthday of great Unani researcher Hakim Ajmal Khan i.e. 11th February is celebrated as Unani Day. Hakim Ajmal Khan was an eminent Indian Unani physician who was versatile genius, freedom fighter, educationist and founder of scientific research in Unani Medicine.

***

AYUSH
09-February, 2018 18:04 IST
804 complaints of misleading advertisements of Ayurvedic and herbal products reported during the last two years: AYUSH Minister

Increasing number of alleged to be misleading advertisements of Ayurvedic and other such products are being reported. Ministry of AYUSH has come across 804 instances of misleading advertisements/claims allegedly of herbal/AYUSH products & services including Ayurvedic medicines during the period of last two years and current year from April, 2015 to January, 2018 as reported from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and the Grievances Against Misleading Advertisements (GAMA) portal maintained by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

it is true that there has been no exclusive definition of herbal medicines in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder. But with effect from 30th November, 2015 a new category of drugs derived from herbal materials or medicinal plants called as “Phytopharmaceutical drugs” has been included under Rule 2(eb) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 to provide regulatory provisions for such drugs made from purified and standardized fraction with defined minimum four bio-active or phyto-chemical compounds of an extract of a medicinal plant or its part.

As such there is no legislative lacuna for the advertisement of herbal medicines/products since the definition of ‘drug’ given in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 covers all medicines, substances and articles other than food. For checking the veracity and to undertake monitoring of misleading advertisements, powers are vested with the State Governments to authorize Gazetted Officers to search, seize, examine any record, register, document or any other material object related to any objectionable advertisement under the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

Ministry of AYUSH has repeatedly taken up the matter with the State Governments to appoint Gazetted officers for monitoring of advertisements of AYUSH drugs and it is reported that 22 States have appointed 621 Gazetted officers to enforce the legal provisions for taking necessary action against the defaulters. Ministry of AYUSH also signed a MoU with Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for suo-moto monitoring of misleading advertisements of AYUSH drugs appearing in the print media and TV channels and bring the defaulters to the notice of respective State regulators.

Media regulators have also been approached to prevent the publication of inappropriate advertisements promoting sale of Ayurvedic and other AYUSH medicines in public interest. On this account, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued instructions/guidelines dated 12th July, 2017 to all media channels to advertise only those products which have valid manufacturing license and to abstain from telecasting such misleading advertisements which are in contravention of the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder. Consumers’ complaints about misleading claims or advertisements of AYUSH and herbal medicines registered in the GAMA (Grievances Against Misleading Advertisements) portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs are examined by a Nodal Officer appointed in the Ministry of AYUSH and are forwarded to the concerned State Regulatory Authorities for necessary action in accordance with the legal provisions.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


*********


AYUSH
09-February, 2018 17:15 IST
Government takes measures to promote Yoga and Ayurveda across the world

Ministry of AYUSH undertakes various measures to promote international cooperation for development of AYUSH systems of Medicine including Yoga and Ayurveda such as (i) Signing of Country to Country Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on ‘Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine’; (ii) ‘Setting up of AYUSH Academic Chairs in Foreign Universities/Institutes’ (iii) Signing of MoUs for ‘Undertaking Collaborative Research’ to enhance the acceptability of AYUSH systems at International level (iv) Setting up of AYUSH Information Cells in the premises of the Indian Missions/ICCR Cultural Centres for dissemination of authentic information. (v) Organization / participation in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. to create awareness amongst the local population; (vi) Providing incentives to AYUSH drug manufacturers/ entrepreneurs/ AYUSH institutions, etc. for (a) participating in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. for generating awareness amongst the participating public about the AYUSH systems of medicine and; (b) registration of AYUSH products with regulatory authorities of the foreign countries.

Funds allocated to promote Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems of Medicine across the world during last three years are as below:

Year

2015-16
2016-17
2017-18

Funds allocated

850 Lakhs
1400 Lakhs
1528 Lakhs



The data on the number of foreign tourists who visited India for AYUSH system of medication is not maintained by the Ministry of AYUSH

To increase the awareness about the AYUSH systems and promoting the wider use of AYUSH products, the Ministry of AYUSH has been taking up various activities as mentioned above in reply to part (a) of the question.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

************

AYUSH
09-February, 2018 17:13 IST
Encouragement of Ayush Medicines

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, United Kingdom on Cooperation in the field of Research and Education in Homoeopathic Medicine. The MoU aims at strengthening & developing co-operation in the field of Research & Education in Homoeopathic Medicine at International level. This encompasses joint research projects; exchange of information; organisation of seminars/workshops etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
 
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh releasing the publication at the inauguration of the International Conference on Unani Medicine, in New Delhi on February 10, 2018
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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh releasing the publication at the inauguration of the International Conference on Unani Medicine, in New Delhi on February 10, 2018.

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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the International Conference on Unani Medicine, in New Delhi on February 10, 2018.

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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the International Conference on Unani Medicine, in New Delhi on February 10, 2018.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind lighting the lamp at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District” and distributing Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District” and distributing Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan are also seen.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind distributing the Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District”, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.


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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind distributing the Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District”, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan are also seen.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind distributing the Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District”, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki and the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel are also seen.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind distributing the Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District”, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at a function of the Declaration the Gwalior as “Divyang Friendly District” and distributing Aids and Assistive devices to Divayagjan and Senior Citizen, organised by Red Cross Society, Haryana Chapter, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the delivering 4th Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Memorial Lecture, at ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018.


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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph, at the 4th Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Memorial Lecture, at ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph, at the 4th Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Memorial Lecture, at ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on February 11, 2018. The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.


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The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik lighting the lamp to inaugurate the National Workshop on Activities and Contributions of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science for North Eastern India, at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, in Lalmati, Guwahati on February 23, 2018.
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The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik releasing a book titled ‘Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey Programme (2012-2017)’, at the inauguration of the National Workshop on Activities and Contributions of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science for North Eastern India, at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, in Lalmati, Guwahati on February 23, 2018.

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The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik launching the Web based online Survey Study, at the inauguration of the National Workshop on Activities and Contributions of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science for North Eastern India, at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, in Lalmati, Guwahati on February 23, 2018

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The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik addressing at the inauguration of the National Workshop on Activities and Contributions of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science for North Eastern India, at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, in Lalmati, Guwahati on February 23, 2018.

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The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurating the New Building of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Gastro Intestinal Disorder at Institute Premises, in Borsojai, Guwahati on February 23, 2018.

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Vice President's Secretariat
25-February, 2018 17:54 IST
Gandhiji's thoughts and actions are relevant even today: Vice President

Felt reinforced about Gandhiji's philosophy; Khadi needs to be encouraged; Presents International Gandhi Awards 2017

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Gandhiji's thoughts and actions are relevant even today. He was addressing the gathering after giving away the International Gandhi Award 2017 to Dr. M.D. Gupte for his outstanding contribution to the global programme of elimination of leprosy and Dr. Atul Shah for humanitarian services to alleviate the suffering of leprosy - affected persons, organized by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation, in Sewagram, Wardha, Maharashtra today. The Minister for Energy and State Excise, Maharashtra, Shri Chandrashekar Bawankule and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that leprosy is a disease that has been prevalent in our country since a very long time. He further said that lack of knowledge and treatment together with the visible deformities which leprosy caused has made this a dreaded disease. There is a lot of fear, superstition and stigma attached to leprosy, he added.

The Vice President said that Gandhiji took keen interest in leprosy patients and leprosy work even in those days when there was no specific cure for leprosy. He further said that the need of the hour is to intensify our efforts towards early detection of leprosy cases, provide equitable access to appropriate treatment and provide integrated leprosy services. There is need to empower those who have been socially discriminated through advocacy and information dissemination, he added.

The Vice President quoted Gandhiji as saying – “We need to preserve the multi cultural nature of our country and the world. I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as friendly as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet.”

The Vice President said that over the years, the scourge of leprosy has remained a blot on humanity. He further said that more than the medical condition, the social stigma attached to the disease is a cause for concern. Ignorance about the treatability of the disease coupled with perpetuation of myths often leads to ostracism of persons afflicted with leprosy, which causes considerable distress in persons suffering from the disease, he added.

The Vice President said that health care workers need to remain aware of the possible diagnosis of leprosy in patients presenting with skin lesions or sensory change. He further said that those in primary health care, as well as specialist services need to be aware and trained in the diagnosis and management of leprosy. There is also a need to conduct research on the development of diagnostic tests and new vaccines, he added.

The Vice President said that awareness in the community in general is also essential to promote early case detection. He further said that approaches to reducing stigma are important to prevent patients from hiding the diagnosis. Prevention of disability in those with nerve function impairment and rehabilitation within the community are important challenges, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address:

“I am pleased that the International Gandhi Award 2017 is conferred on Dr. M.D. Gupte for his outstanding contribution to the global programme of elimination of leprosy and Dr. Atul Shah for humanitarian services to alleviate the suffering of leprosy - affected persons. May I say, on behalf of the International Gandhi Award Committee, that it was our pleasure to unanimously decide their names for this prestigious award.

Felt reinforced about Gandhiji's philosophy. Gandhiji's thoughts and actions are relevant even today. Khadi needs to be encouraged. Felt highly motivated.

Gandhiji said – “We need to preserve the multi cultural nature of our country and world. I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as friendly as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet.”

Leprosy is a disease that has been prevalent in our country since a very long time. References to this disease date back to our ancient medical literature of Sushruta, Charaka and Vagabhatta around 500 B.C. But very little was known about it as a disease and there was no treatment for it till the 1950's. This lack of knowledge and treatment together with the visible deformities which leprosy caused has made this a dreaded disease. There is a lot of fear, superstition and stigma attached to leprosy. This fear and social stigma resulted in social discrimination, deprivation of a place in the society and social boycott of persons affected by leprosy.

The mythological and historical evidence tells us that there was social acceptance of leprosy patients in the societal stream. Samrat Ashok and Bouddha King Upatis constructed “Arogyashalas” and “Punyashalas” for them. This practice was not followed by other rulers and the patients started creating self settled colonies of their own. However, this did not last because of misconceptions about the disease. Patients suffered from social ostracism and became outcastes. They were isolated from the society at large and became destitutes.

Even at such times which leprosy was looked down upon by the society and leprosy affected were victimized, Gandhiji had a special concern for leprosy. In South Africa as well as in India, Gandhiji provided care and support to leprosy affected persons. Parchure Shastri, the great Sanskrit scholar who was afflicted by leprosy, was provided shelter and nursing care in Sewagram Ashram by Gandhiji, demonstrating that the fears about leprosy were unfounded and that there was a greater need to care for the leprosy affected persons.

Writing in 'Harijan' in November 1947, Gandhiji said "Leprosy work is not merely medical relief; it is transforming the frustration in life into the joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service. If you can change the life of a patient or change his values of life, you can change village and the country".

Gandhiji took keen interest in leprosy patients and leprosy work even in those days when there was no specific cure for leprosy. Gandhiji was also aware that isolation of leprosy affected persons in separate colonies was no solution to the problem. When Prof. Jagadisan requested him in 1945 to inaugurate the building of the Kasturba Kustha Nilayam, Gandhiji replied "Get someone to open it but I shall come to close it", thus suggesting that separate leprosy colonies were not a solution to the problem. In his view, the leprosy affected patients should be integrated with rather than be isolated from society.

In most endemic countries leprosy control has improved significantly due to national and sub-national campaigns and due to focused strategies to treat it as a public health problem. This has been possible due to the availability of effective multiple drug treatment to cure the disease, access to technology for early diagnosis, prevention and repair of deformities, as well as increased awareness in society about leprosy.

I am glad that the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation which was established in the 1950s has done pioneering work to eradicate the disease and to erase the stigma associated with leprosy. At a time when patients of leprosy were abhorred and socially isolated, the Foundation worked to provide succour, treatment, rehabilitation and ensure integration of leprosy patients into the social mainstream.

In 2012-13, India recorded 83,000 leprosy cases with a prevalence of 0.68 per 10,000 population.

I am happy to note that until 1st April 2012, 33 States and Union Territories had attained the levels of leprosy elimination of less than 1 case per 10,000 population. 542 districts out of 640 had also achieved elimination by March 2012.

Nevertheless, it is a cause of concern that new cases continue to occur and high-burden pockets of the disease do exist.

The State of Chhattisgarh and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli still have a prevalence rate between 2 and 4 per 10000 population. Bihar, Maharashtra and West Bengal, which had achieved elimination earlier, have now shown slight increases in prevalence of leprosy in the current year. I understand that 209 high endemic districts have been identified in 2012-13 which need our concerted efforts.

The need of the hour is to intensify our efforts towards early detection of leprosy cases, provide equitable access to appropriate treatment and provide integrated leprosy services.

There is need to empower those who have been socially discriminated through advocacy and information dissemination.

Over the years, the scourge of leprosy has remained a blot on humanity.

More than the medical condition, the social stigma attached to the disease is a cause for concern. Ignorance about the treatability of the disease coupled with perpetuation of myths often leads to ostracism of persons afflicted with leprosy, which causes considerable distress in persons suffering from the disease.

Social challenges remain for leprosy but the United Nations has now passed a resolution on discrimination against people affected by leprosy and efforts are being made to repeal laws that prevent people affected by leprosy, a curable disease, from participating in society.

The major challenge lies in sustaining leprosy control activities after achieving the year 2000 target of reduced registered prevalence of leprosy. Each year around 250,000 new cases are detected, almost 60 per cent of which are in India.

Health care workers therefore need to remain aware of the possible diagnosis of leprosy in patients presenting with skin lesions or sensory change.

Those in primary health care, as well as specialist services need to be aware and trained in the diagnosis and management of leprosy.

Awareness in the community in general is also essential to promote early case detection. Approaches to reducing stigma are important to prevent patients from hiding the diagnosis.

Prevention of disability in those with nerve function impairment and rehabilitation within the community are important challenges.

There is also a need to conduct research on the development of diagnostic tests and new vaccines.

The latest WHO Expert Committee has set the challenge to reduce the rate of new patients with disability due to leprosy to 1 in a million by 2020 -a challenge that needs sustained early case detection and prevention of disability. Elimination requires a multi – dimensional and integrated approach.

On this occasion, I urge all stakeholders to come together and make concerted efforts for the total eradication of leprosy. I also wish the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation and all those involved in this mission all success in their endeavors.

Today, we recognized the dedicated work of an exceptional individual who made a great contribution for global elimination of leprosy and a leprosy institution which provided rehabilitation services of highest quality to leprosy-affected persons. We have honoured them with International Gandhi Award 2017.

The Rajya Sabha’s Committee on Petitions, headed then by me as chairman, presented to the House on 24th October, 2018, the 131st Report on a Petition filed by Shri Ram Naik and others praying for integration and empowerment of Leprosy affected persons.

From May 2008 to October 2008 Undertook study visits to Visited and interacted with inmates of a few self-settled LAP colonies, Rehabilitation Homes, NGOs etc in the cities of Mumbai Hyderabad, Tirupathi, Nellore, Chengalpattu and Chennai.

Recommendations of the Committee:

  • Recommend that the final survey, involving Panchayati Raj Institutions may be undertaken so that the Government can have realistic figures to devise a National Leprosy Policy.
  • Amendment to all Acts which harm the interests of LAP, concerned Ministries and State Governments to amend to such anachronistic and discriminatory provisions in the concerned legislations.
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in coordination with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Publicity Departments of the State Governments, should launch a nation wide campaign advocating the curability of leprosy and the humanitarian aspect of leprosy affected persons.
  • LAPs who are not able to earn their livelihood, should be given allowance @Rs. 2000/- per month, uniformly in all States for maintenance.
  • Primary health centres be designated as nodal agencies to take care of the medical needs of LAPs.
  • Central Government to advise State Governments and local authorities to provide civic amenities in all self-settled colonies free of charge. Where no colonies have been identified, the LAPs should be given housing sites under government schemes
  • Government should ensure education upto higher secondary level, free of charge, for the dependent children of LAPs also to arrange vocational and degree courses to the dependent children of LAPs for their self-sustenance in future.
  • LAPs who are eligible for driving license, should be provided liberal loans through banks on a reasonable and affordable rate of interest under DRI Scheme for purchasing auto rickshaws.
  • Ministry of Finance to advise banks for granting loans under affordable rate of interest to LAPs engaged in employment generation programmes such as dairying, poultry, sheep-goat breeding, weaving, etc.
  • Disability of LAPs should be treated on a separate footing and they should be given disability certificate irrespective of the degree of disability.
  • Enhancing the budget so that LAPs can have for two pairs of MCR chappal could be met.
  • Recommends that the products being directly produced by LAPs, be exempted from levy of VAT which would greatly help them to earn livelihood and ensure their economic empowerment.
  • Free railway passes to LPAs Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had taken up the matter with the Ministry of Railways.
I wish that the dedicated efforts of these and other eminent persons and institutions will continue so that the needs of leprosy-cured persons are properly and adequately addressed in the post-leprosy elimination period and the goal of leprosy eradication is achieved soon.



Jai Hind!”

***
 
AYUSH
06-March, 2018 16:02 IST
Fifty Percent increase of patients seeking Homoeopathic treatment during last five years: Shri Shripad Naik

The Homoeopathy is not a pseudoscience. The conclusion of most comprehensive systematic reviews of studies based on classical homoeopathy has concluded that it has a positive and specific effect greater than placebo alone. Four systematic review/meta-analyses of homeopathy for all conditions have been published in international peer reviewed journals. Of these, 03 covering hundreds of clinical trials reached a positive conclusion that there is evidence that homeopathy is clinically effective. Review of basic research on highly diluted homeopathic medicines found 98 replicated experiments, over 70% of replications were positive.

Homeopathy is being promoted as it is not only safe and effective but also due to its high acceptance through high quality surveys of use of homeopathy. In India, at 23 Institutes/Unit under Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), there is 50% more footfall of patients seeking homoeopathic treatment during the last five years.

There is evidence that homoeopathy is beneficial and not merely a placebo. ‘Scientific Framework of Homoeopathy- Evidence Based Homeopathy’ consists of research worldwide and ‘Homoeopathy -Science of Gentle healing’ focused to Research in India has enlisted hundreds of scientific trials including basic research showing strong evidence towards the beneficial role of homoeopathy.

There is evidence based data (not anecdotal) with CCRH that warrants the promotion or acceptance of homoeopathy in India.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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AYUSH
06-March, 2018 16:01 IST
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science initiated Tribal Health Care Research Programme in 14 States

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science has initiated Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP) in 14 States through 15 Institutes under the Council.

The aim & objectives of THCRP are as under: -



  • To Study the living conditions of tribal people
  • To Collect information related to health statistics
  • To study dietetic habits, nature and frequency of prevalent diseases, use of common medicinal plants in the area
  • To provide medical aid at the door steps of tribals.
  • To propagate knowledge about Ayurvedic concept of Pathyapathya including hygiene habits, dietary practice.
  • To prevent diseases by adopting healthy way of living & clean environment (Swachhata)
  • To collect LHTs/folk medicines/ traditional practices prevalent in the area.


The targets set for 2017-18 & achievements so far are as under: -



Target (2017-18)

Achievement

Population to be covered for demographic studies - 100000

100316 Population covered

Documentation of Local Health Traditions (LHT) /Folk Claims - 150

159 LHTs/Folk claims documented



This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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AYUSH
06-March, 2018 16:00 IST
Ayurveda Doctors and Yoga Teachers for Rural Areas

The National Policy on Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy - 2002, envisages integration of AYUSH systems of medicine with the Healthcare Delivery System. Mainstreaming of AYUSH is one of the strategies in National Health Mission (NHM) which seeks to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care in order to improve the existing health care delivery system.

Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling choice to the patients for different systems of medicine. The engagement of AYUSH Doctors / paramedics and their training is supported by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, while the support for AYUSH infrastructure, equipment / furniture and medicines are provided by Ministry of AYUSH under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM).

Further, under NAM, there is provision of AYUSH Wellness Centres including Yoga & Naturopathy which also envisage engagement of Yoga manpower.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
 

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