Full-fledged ayurvedic research institute soon

By L.S Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

A full-fledged Ayurvedic Research Institute will be set up soon.

The Navinna Ayurvedic Research Institute and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine will be upgraded into a full-fledged Ayurvedic research institute, said. Indigenous Medicine Ministry Secretary B.D. Dahanayaka.

This is to meet the increasing international and local demand for Ayurvedic medicine, he said.

Sunday Observer interviewed Indigenous Medicine Ministry Secretary B.D. Dahanayaka and Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation Chairman Somaweera Chandrasiri:

Excerpts of the interview:

Secretary:

Q: Germany, Australia and Japan have shown a keen interest in Ayurvedic medicine. What are the steps taken by the Ayurvedic Ministry to meet this situation.?

A: Quiet a large number of tourists from Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan visits Sri Lanka seeking ayurvedic treatment.

There are internationally recognised ayurvedic treatment centres run by competent ayurvedic doctors. Similarly there is a big demand for ayurvedic drugs in the export market.

Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan have placed restrictions on the import of medicinal and food items into their countries.

Q: Why can’t we do away with these stumbling blocks through negotiations?

A: The practical problem is the demand for quality certificates on these ayurvedic products by the western countries. Presumable in keeping with their public health policy.

The Navinna Ayurvedic Research Institute set up in 1957 needs revamping to qualify as an independent research institute with specialists in different ayurvedic disciplines being engaged to do advanced research.

Secondly the ministry has decided to set up a new ayurvedic drugs manufacturing factory conforming its products to international standards.

This project is supported by the United Nation’s World Health Organisation. Land has been selected at Maharagama to set up the new factory.

Q: The Indigenous Medicine Ministry has launched an island-wide awareness program reiterating the importance of indigenous food and good customs recommended by ayurvedic for a healthy body. Could you elaborate on this program.

A: Many people fall victims to various non-communicable diseases such as pressure, heart attacks and strokes which are attributed largely to bad habits. Good customs, habits and nutritious food are recommended as conducive to disease free happy life by the Ayurveda

Our elders were healthier than the present generation due to the quality of food they consumed and the simple lifestyle adopted. The Indigenous Medicine Ministry encourages people to observe good healthcare practices?

A: CD on Ayurvedic customs and observances, food habits was produced and distributed among people by the ministry such messages will be conveyed to the people through the print and electronic media soon.

Subsequently Ayurvedic drugs are manufactured and distributed by the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC).

Q: Chairman, do you have plans to expand SLADC’s activities mainly the manufacture of drugs.?

A: Over 160 varieties of ayurvedic drugs are manufactured by the SLADC and supplied to ayurvedic hospitals in the island through our sales network.

Q: Your ministry secretary said that there is a big demand for indigenous medicine from foreign countries. What are your plans to meet that demand?

A: The Cabinet has approved the setting up of another ayurvedic drug factory at Pamunuwa Maharagama to cater to the export market.

The WHO has laid down some guide lines for drug manufacturing such as Good Manufacturing practices - (GMP)

Q: What are the countries which request ayurvedic medicine?

A: Tourists from Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia and Japan visit Sri Lanka for ayurvedic treatments.

They are keen to apply ayurvedic oils for various body ailments. Recently a team led by Indigenous Medicine Minister Salinda Dissanayaka visited Japan. (As a result of the discussions the minister had with Japanese authorities it was decided to set up an ayurvedic centre in Japan with facilities for Panchakarma treatment.

The centre will be managed by a competent ayurvedic doctor medical equipment and logistics will be provided by SLADC.

Q: There was a problem of obtaining raw materials such as herbs and oils for manufacturing drugs. What is the present position?

A: We import 60 varieties of raw materials from India and other regional countries. The local cultivation of medicinal herbs has been accelerated under the guidance of present indigenous minister.

The Indigenous Ministry and the corporation help to boost the local cultivation with a market and a reasonable price for their products. The corporation is willing to sign buyback agreements with the prospective herb cultivators.

Q: What are the main products of SLADC?

A: The corporation manufactures 160 varieties of drugs and Aristas medicinal oil, Kwatha, preparations syrups, Rasa, Watika, Gugul, Kalka, Leha and churna. The corporation has introduced Suwesetha Paspanguwa, Instant Peyawa, Thripala - tablets as new products.