The Central Government, in consultation with the Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board, has proposed an amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The draft amendment, which aims to modify the First and Second Schedules of the Act. This draft amendment was issued on January 12, 2024.
Key Features of the Draft Amendment:
- Inclusion of Homoeopathic and Sowa-Rigpa Systems:
- The proposed amendment introduces a new section, denoted as “C. HOMOEOPATHIC SYSTEM” and “D. SOWA-RIGPA SYSTEM,” in the First Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Inclusion of French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia or the European Pharmacopeia
- In the ‘Standards To Be Compiled With By Imported Drugs And By Drugs Manufactured For Sale, Sold, Stocked Or Exhibited For Sale Or Distributed’ the draft amendment proposes to include new Pharmacopoeia for Homoeopathic Medicines.
The draft amendment is published for the information of all individuals likely to be affected, and notice is given that it shall be considered after April 12, 2024. The government has invited objections and suggestions from the public during this three-month period.
Individuals with objections or suggestions regarding the draft amendment can submit them to the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, AYUSH Bhawan, ‘B’ Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023.
Alternatively, objections and suggestions can be emailed to dcc-ayush@nic.in.
By including the Homoeopathic and Sowa-Rigpa Systems in the regulatory framework, the government aims to ensure the comprehensive and effective regulation of diverse medical systems under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This move also aligns with efforts to promote and safeguard public health by fostering a more inclusive approach to traditional and alternative healthcare practices.
