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"Our healing systems are more effective with lesser side effects"

Numerous ancient schools of medicine in India, that lay great stress on symbiosis between man and nature like Ayurveda, Sidha, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy and Homeopathy, have been recognized by the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM & H). Set up in 1995, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ISM & H has embarked on an extensive programme to popularise these schools of thought the world over. Senior Writer Prabir Biswas spoke to eminent physician, Padmashree and now Union Minister for Health and family Welfare, Dr C P Thakur, to find out what is on the government's agenda. Excerpts:

Q. How are Indian systems of medicine more beneficial to the common man than the modern systems?

A. Indian systems are cheap with lesser side effects as compared to modern systems like Allopathy.

Q. Do you see any link between Allopathy and the traditional systems?

A. Many drugs in Allopathy and traditional systems of medicine have their source from the same plants.

Q. Why are modern systems of medicine way ahead in terms of popularity and veracity?

A. Traditional systems of medicine are equally efficacious. But unfortunately, knowledge about these systems of medicine has not been disseminated properly. Vaids have only passed on knowledge about a confined within the family and the systems did not flourish.

Q. Why has the Government recognised only six schools of thought in Indian systems of medicine?

A. We have taken into account only those traditional systems of medicine which are in practice like Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.

Q. What is the role of traditional systems of medicines in view of rapid strides made by modern systems of medicine like Allopathy?

A. Undoubtedly, Allopathy as a system of medicine has carved a niche over the years but Indian systems of medicine can supplement Allopathy in ensuring effective treatment. China has blended traditional systems of medicine with modern systems. Traditional healing systems have been used in India from time immemorial. There are minimal side effects of these systems with far-reaching advantages.

Q. How will you focus on Indian systems of medicine?

A. We will constitute a medicinal plants' board with many experts on its panel. The board will monitor the quality of the plants. We have already introduced a norm called 'quality manufacturing practice'. The stipulations have already been notified in the Gazette. We wish to activate public sector undertakings connected with our ministry. My ministry is also planning to create a scientific back-up for all ayurvedic medicines in the country. Information on traditional systems of medicines right from the Vedic period will be on the net very soon. People from all over the world will have access to everything they want to know about traditional systems of medicine. Information on the portal will also highlight the fact that use of traditional systems of medicine has been India's forte in medical science. Finally, last but not the least, we will accelerate our exports in a major way.

"My ministry will set up a specialised medicinal plants' board, activate PSU's create scientific back-up, put everything related to traditional Indian healing systems on the net and increase exports."

Q. Why are traditional medicinal products from India being merely sold as food supplements in the west?

A. It is due to inadequate projection of the efficacy of traditional systems of medicine. Extensive research is being done on the healing properties of various condiments which are anti-oxidants and prevent occurrence of tumours and cancer. But there is also a dire need to let the world know that we are doing fruitful and considerable work in the area of traditional medicine.

Q. How far is the Government successful in providing exposure to the West in Indian systems of medicines?

A. The Hanovar Fair in Germany has provided a good opportunity to popularise Indian systems of medicine in the West. Government of India has set up a stall and people are thronging in hordes to familiarise themselves with Indian systems of medicines. Yoga has gained wide acceptance.

Q. Why is India's share in export of traditional medicines insignificant?

A. Scant attention has been paid to increase the quantum of exports. But we will soon be reconstituting an export promotion council to monitor export of traditional medicines. Understand the composition of the drug in a scientific manner is also very important. Norms on good manufacturing practice will provide information on whether the drug is toxic or not besides monitoring quality. All these steps will go a long way in accelerating exports.

"Knowledge about traditional healing systems has remained confined within families. The world should know that India is doing extensive research in the area of traditional medicines."

Q. The Government is planning to bring about a legislation to stall misinformation and exploitation by quacks.

A. Laws to curb exploitation by quacks are already in practice. Only those qualified in medicine will be allowed to treat patients with Indian systems of medicine.

Q. Can both the systems co-exist and flourish in the world of medical science?

A. Definitely, both the systems can complement each other. Allopathy can supplement Ayurveda and so on.