PCIM&H Launches 5-Day Training Programme to Strengthen ASU&H Drug Regulation and Quality Standards
The programme, running from November 24 to 28, brings together stakeholders from regulatory bodies, academic institutions, quality-control laboratories and manufacturing units across the country.
New Delhi, November 25: The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) today inaugurated a five-day capacity building training programme aimed at strengthening regulatory and quality frameworks for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) medicines. The programme, running from November 24 to 28, brings together stakeholders from regulatory bodies, academic institutions, quality-control laboratories and manufacturing units across the country.
The inaugural session was addressed by Dr Preetha Kizhakkutil, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, who commended PCIM&H for its leadership in establishing quality standards for ASU&H drugs through the adoption of advanced instruments and modern analytical techniques.
Prof. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy, highlighted the growing global acceptance of pharmacopoeias and formularies developed by PCIM&H. He noted that the rising international interest in ASU&H systems reflects India’s expanding influence in traditional medicine.
Welcoming participants, PCIM&H Director Dr Raman Mohan Singh outlined the Commission’s mandate, ongoing initiatives and its central role in standard-setting and quality control for Indian systems of medicine. Dr N. Murugesan, former director of the Central Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai, attended the event as special guest.
Over the next five days, participants will attend expert-led lectures, laboratory sessions and exposure visits covering a wide range of subjects, including NABL accreditation and quality management systems, good manufacturing practices, pharmacognostic and physico-chemical evaluation of ASU&H drugs, phytochemical and microbiological analysis, pharmacological assessments, regulatory standards, and shelf-life studies.
The programme also features practical training in PCIM&H laboratories and field visits to leading ASU&H drug manufacturing units, including Dr Willmar Schwabe India Pvt Ltd in Noida and Hamdard Laboratories India in Ghaziabad. These components aim to enhance technical proficiency by familiarising participants with contemporary technologies and best practices in the sector.
A total of 35 participants from across India are attending the training, representing state drug controllers, drug inspectors, faculty members, research officers, Ayush-accredited laboratories, national institutes and research centres such as the National Institute of Siddha (Chennai), National Institute of Ayurveda (Jaipur), Siddha Central Research Institute (Chennai), National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (Hyderabad), Dr DP Rastogi Central Research Institute for Homoeopathy (Noida), and the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (Srinagar), along with several Ayush colleges and hospitals from Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Kanpur and other regions.
The training programme marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s regulatory ecosystem for ASU&H medicines. By equipping professionals with enhanced technical skills and practical knowledge, the initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to maintaining high quality standards and advancing traditional systems of medicine globally.
