Pvt Labs Can Test Traditional Medicines

Private laboratories will now be allowed to test traditional medicines and raw materials used in their manufacture. These laboratories will have to apply to the licensing authority appointed by the respective state government for obtaining approval.

The grant of approval for the laboratories will also be subject to the joint inspection by inspectors appointed by the central government and the state government. An approval granted shall be valid for three years and the inspection fee has been fixed at Rs 6,000. The government has amended the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, to make these changes.

The approved laboratories will be responsible for carrying out tests of identity, purity, quality and strength of the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs, as the case may be. The laboratories should have separate well-equipped sections for chemistry; pharmacognosy; Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani; microbiology, sample room and an office-cum-record room. The laboratories also have to provide the list of experts possessing degrees from a recognised university with two years