UGIS 2023 AYUSH Policy Update : The Uttarakhand Cabinet has given the green light to a comprehensive AYUSH policy aimed at promoting herbal cultivation, boosting AYUSH pharma industries, advancing research and development, and enhancing the quality of AYUSH education in the state. This initiative aligns with the upcoming global investors Summit scheduled for December.
Under this new policy, AYUSH pharmacy industries will enjoy a 10% additional subsidy on top of the benefits offered through the existing MSME policy . Furthermore, a provision has been made to grant a 5% additional subsidy for capital investments in AYUSH Health Wellness Centers.
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With an eye on potential investments in the AYUSH sector, the government has sanctioned this policy, focusing on expanding herb and aromatic plant cultivation, fostering the growth of new AYUSH pharmaceutical ventures, and elevating research and educational standards within the AYUSH domain.
The state’s AYUSH pharmacy manufacturing industries will undoubtedly benefit from the existing MSME policy, complemented by a 10% extra subsidy for the installation of infrastructure and machinery. Additionally, expenses related to WHO GMP certification will be reimbursed to these industries, potentially boosting the export of Ayurvedic medicines.
To ensure product quality, AYUSH manufacturing units must obtain the AYUSH Standard Mark, and a dedicated homeopathic drug testing laboratory will be established for quality control of state homeopathic drugs.
Incentives for NAAC Grading in Ayurveda Colleges
In a bid to enhance the quality of education in Ayurveda colleges, incentives are being offered for obtaining NAAC grading. Colleges achieving double plus grading will receive Rs 15 lakh, A plus grading will be rewarded with Rs 10 lakh, A grading with Rs 5 lakh, and B double plus with Rs 2.5 lakh.
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Furthermore, colleges will have their expenses reimbursed for National Accreditation Board for Hospital and Health Care (NABH) recognition.
Commencement of Internship Program
Government Ayurveda colleges in the state are set to initiate an internship program for their students. Contracts will be established with Ayurveda manufacturing industries for this purpose. International clinical studies and research concerning the integration of modern and traditional AYUSH medicines will be conducted through Rishikul and Gurukul colleges.
Five Key Areas in the Policy
The AYUSH policy has categorized five key sectors for the promotion of Ayurveda in the state: commercial cultivation of herbs, Ayush Pharma manufacturing, health services, wellness, and education and research. Uttarakhand’s rich natural and cultural heritage positions it as an ideal AYUSH state, boasting abundant rare herbs, suitable locations, and a conducive environment for AYUSH treatments.
Current Revenue from Herbal Cultivation
Currently, the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in the state generates approximately Rs 30 crore in revenue. This policy intends to launch the Chief Minister Medicinal Plant Development Program, aiming to motivate 50,000 farmers to cultivate herbs. Cultivation will be promoted through the Herbal Research and Development Institute (HRDI) in Gopeshwar and the Center for Aromatic Plants in Selaqui (CAP).
AYUSH’s Contribution to the State’s GDP
The AYUSH manufacturing sector is estimated to contribute around Rs 4 to 5 thousand crore to the state’s GDP, providing employment opportunities for 20,000 to 25,000 people in Uttarakhand. Currently, there are 232 Ayurveda, 8 Homeopathy, and 2 Unani Pharma industries established in the state.
