0
0
December 30, 2025
NEW DELHI — In a significant move to strengthen the regulatory framework of traditional medicine, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced this week that 108 laboratories across India have been officially approved for the quality testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) drugs. This expansion, authorized under the Drugs Rules of 1945, marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to standardize traditional healthcare, combat misleading advertisements, and ensure that the millions of consumers relying on Ayush products have access to safe, verified treatments.
The announcement comes as part of a broader mission to modernize the infrastructure of ancient medical systems. Beyond the 108 approved labs, the Ministry has supported 34 State Drug Testing Laboratories to enhance their functional capacity and integrated three Regional Research Institutions of the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS) into the regulatory fold.
A Multi-Tiered Approach to Safety
The cornerstone of this quality-control initiative is the Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY). With a dedicated financial allocation of ₹122 crore (approximately $14.6 million) spanning 2021 to 2026, the scheme aims to transition traditional medicine from “ancestral wisdom” to “evidence-based clinical practice.”
A vital component of this scheme is the Pharmacovigilance Programme, which monitors the safety of drugs after they reach the market. The program operates through a sophisticated three-tier network:
-
National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPvCC): The central oversight body.
-
5 Intermediary Pharmacovigilance Centres (IPvCs): Regional hubs for data collection.
-
97 Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centres (PPvCs): Grassroots units located in hospitals and colleges across the country.
“The primary mandate of these centers is not just to monitor side effects, but to report misleading advertisements to State Regulatory Authorities,” Minister Jadhav stated. This dual focus aims to protect consumers from “miracle cure” claims that often bypass scientific scrutiny.
Combatting the “Miracle Cure” Narrative
For many health-conscious consumers, the appeal of Ayurveda and Unani lies in their perceived “natural” status. However, experts warn that “natural” does not always mean “exempt from regulation.”
“The biggest challenge in the Ayush sector has been the lack of batch-to-batch consistency and the presence of heavy metals or adulterants in unverified products,” says Dr. Ananya Sharma, a public health consultant not affiliated with the Ministry. “By licensing 108 labs specifically for these drugs, the government is creating a paper trail for quality. It moves the conversation from ‘it worked for my grandmother’ to ‘this batch meets heavy metal and microbial limits set by law.'”
The Ministry has already conducted over 3,500 awareness programs, reaching more than 318,000 beneficiaries. These programs educate the public on how to identify genuine products and report adverse reactions.
Aligning with Global Standards
To boost the international credibility of Indian traditional medicine, the Ministry is encouraging manufacturers to adopt the Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Additionally, a voluntary quality certification scheme is being implemented by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
| Scheme/Entity | Function |
| AOGUSY | Financial and infrastructural support for labs and pharmacies. |
| Rule 160E (Drugs Rules 1945) | The legal provision under which testing labs are licensed. |
| WHO-CoPP | Certification ensuring products meet international export standards. |
| Pharmacovigilance Network | Monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and misleading ads. |
Implications for the Consumer
For the average household, this regulatory surge means more transparency. When purchasing an Ayurvedic supplement, consumers should soon see more frequent “Quality Certified” marks or references to testing standards.
However, medical professionals urge caution. “While lab testing ensures the product contains what it says it contains, it does not replace the need for professional consultation,” says Dr. Rajesh Kumar, an internal medicine specialist. “Traditional medicines can interact with Western prescriptions. For instance, certain Ayurvedic herbs can interfere with blood thinners or diabetes medications. Increased testing is a win for safety, but it isn’t a green light for self-medication.”
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the progress, hurdles remain. The sheer volume of Ayush manufacturers in India—ranging from large multinational corporations to small, cottage-industry setups—makes universal enforcement a monumental task.
Critics also point out that while 108 labs is a significant number, the geographical distribution must be equitable to ensure small manufacturers in rural areas can access testing without prohibitive logistics costs. Furthermore, “Pharmacovigilance” relies heavily on voluntary reporting from the public and doctors, which remains low in many parts of India.
Looking Ahead
As the AOGUSY scheme continues through 2026, the focus will likely shift toward the digital integration of these 108 labs. Real-time reporting of test results and a centralized database of “defaulter” companies could be the next step in cleaning up the marketplace.
For now, the message from the Ministry is clear: Traditional medicine is a pillar of Indian healthcare, but its future depends on its ability to withstand the rigors of modern laboratory science.
References
https://ddindia.co.in/2025/12/108-labs-approved-for-quality-testing-of-ayurvedic-siddha-and-unani-drugs-minister/
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
