April 2010

Although India remained a major supplier of doctors and nurses to the developed countries over the years, the domestic scenario looked bleak with the country ranking 67th among the developing nations in the case of doctor-population ratio.

Western Ghats Task Force Board has now designated Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) in more number of locations in the State. The plan of action is to have one MPCA in every district. The matter is being taken ahead in consultation with the Bangalore-based Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). A meeting of scientists and officials of the state forest department would be held to discuss the plan of action, said Ananth Hedge Ashisara, chairperson Western Ghats Task Force.

The exports of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) medicines, medicinal plants and their by-products have recorded a commendable growth in the 10th five year Plan period and also in the beginning of the subsequent five year plan, according to a report from the Department of Ayush.

The NIPER, Mohali will appoint a few more scientists and faculty on ad-hoc basis in the next three-six months to extend all required services to the small and medium sector pharma companies under the aegis of the Small and Medium Pharmaceutical Industry Centre (SMPIC) and make it fully useful for the struggling industry.