India
India to Require Homoeopathy Degrees for Inspectors of Alternative Medicine Plants
India plans to amend its drug regulation rules to allow homoeopathic degrees or specializations in homoeopathic pharmacy as the required qualification for inspectors of plants that manufacture homoeopathic medicines. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation will modify Rule 49 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, to recognize such qualifications for appointments under Section 21 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Currently, homoeopathic degrees are not recognised as an educational qualification for inspectors, who oversee India’s Ayush services economy worth $36.92 billion, with exports of $1.25 billion. The proposal was discussed by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) on 18 September, chaired by Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India. Minutes from the meeting state that the DCC agreed in principle to include provisions for recognised qualifications and experience in homoeopathy for manufacturing inspections, as such inspections require subject expertise. The DCC noted that inspecting a manufacturing facility involves assessing the system of medicine as well as common manufacturing, quality‑control and good manufacturing practice requirements. The initiative began after the Ministry of Ayush held a meeting of the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee on 12 June and wrote to the DCGI to consider the proposal. A second government document states that a recognized qualification in homoeopathy, including a degree or a qualification or specialization in homoeopathic pharmacy, should be included among the qualifications prescribed under Rule 49 for appointment as inspector. The Homoeopathic Medical Association of India, through its Secretary General Dr. A.K. Gupta, said that inspectors with technical qualifications would provide better guidance to manufacturers and pharmacists, especially for over‑the‑counter formulations, and that technically qualified inspectors ensure that drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies are safe, ultimately protecting patients across the country. Queries sent to the DCGI office, the health ministry spokesperson and the Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday afternoon remained unanswered at the time of publication.