Azad reaffirms commitment to mainstream Ayush

Dubai, Dec 7(ANI): Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has reaffirmed his commitment to lay greater emphasis on the traditional system of medicines and utilise the AYUSH and allopathic systems in a synergistic and complementary fashion.

Azad was speaking at the Middle East Natural and Organic Product Expo (MENOPE) 2011 expo in Dubai today.

MENOPE is an exhibition with exclusive focus on natural and organic products.

The expo over the years has helped many global companies launch into the Middle East market.

It attracts serious trade buyers from across the region - from the Gulf countries as well as from the wider market of Middle East, African and Asian countries including India.

Speaking on the occasion, Azad took pride in sharing with the audience that India is producing huge human resource annually in the field of traditional medicine and world should be coming forth to utilise this resource pool for greater good.

He also said that India has already acknowledged the importance of traditional system of medicines and has taken meaningful steps to integrate the AYUSH professionals in the mainstream of healthcare system.

Azad highlighted that three new AYUSH national institutes have been set up, pharmacopoeia commission has been established, international collaborations have been worked out.

"GOI is contemplating to put renewed focus on research and quality control during 12th plan period", he added.

He also elaborated that a separate commission to regulate the human resources in AYUSH shall be set up and a standalone Drug Controller will be put in place for better standardisation of ASU and H pharmaceuticals.

Azad paid a visit to the various stalls laid by representatives of various organisations in MENOPE- 2011 being held in Dubai.

MENOPE has become an annual feature since 2003 when its first edition was launched in Dubai. This year the event has been organised by Global Links Dubai in partnership with the Ministry of Health UAE, Dubai Municipality and other UAE partners.

Representatives from 25 countries participated in the EXPO including Austria, Romania, Australia, Lebanon, Philippines, France, Taiwan, etc. to exhibit their products. (ANI)