Government mulling law to regulate pharmacy education

New Delhi: A proposal to frame legislation for regulating education and profession of pharmacy of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, and accordingly set up a Central Council for the purpose is under the government's consideration, the parliament was informed.

"Due to emerging trade and export opportunities for Ayurvedic medicines, voluntary quality certification systems in accordance with WHO-GMP guidelines and Quality Council of India scheme of AYUSH Premium Mark have been introduced," said AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso Naik, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 has provisions under Section 17 that no person other than a qualified practitioner can practice Indian Medicine in any state.

He apprised the house that to improve the quality of Ayurvedic medicines, the government has considered augmentation of pharmacopoieal standards.

"Since health is a state subject and register of practitioners is maintained by the state government, it is the responsibility of the state government to take steps for preventing unskilled and unqualified persons from practicing Indian Systems of Medicine," noted Naik.