Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana

Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) – An Overview for UPSC Aspirants

The Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Ayush, aimed at enhancing the quality, production, and regulatory framework of traditional medicines under Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H). It plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of AYUSH drugs, addressing misleading claims, and fostering research and development in the AYUSH sector.

Objectives of the Scheme

Quality Assurance: To upgrade the manufacturing standards of AYUSH drugs through Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and compliance with pharmacopoeial standards.
Strengthening Regulation: Enhance the capacity of regulatory frameworks at central and state levels for effective monitoring and enforcement.
Pharmacovigilance: Establish systems for monitoring adverse drug reactions and addressing misleading advertisements related to AYUSH drugs.
Capacity Building: Support training and skill enhancement for stakeholders, including manufacturers and regulators.
Technological Advancements: Promote research and technological development for quality control and drug testing laboratories.

Key Components

Pharmacovigilance Program:
- Operates a three-tier network: National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Intermediary Centres, and Peripheral Centres.
- Monitors adverse drug reactions and ensures the safety of ASU&H drugs.
- As of 2024, over 38,000 misleading advertisements have been flagged and acted upon by state licensing authorities
Upgradation of Infrastructure:
- Supports state and central drug testing laboratories to strengthen their capabilities.
- Promotes accreditation of AYUSH manufacturing facilities by international standards like WHO-GMP
  
  Research and Standardization:
  - Collaborates with institutions for the development of drug standards.
  - Works with the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy (PCIM&H) to establish official drug compendia.
Training and Certification:
- Provides training to state and national drug inspectors for effective implementation of quality control measures.
- Encourages AYUSH industries to adopt best practices and international certifications

Achievements

Strengthened 27 state drug testing laboratories, ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished products.
Enhanced awareness about the hazards of misleading advertisements, leading to stricter actions and regulatory compliance.
Enabled small-scale AYUSH manufacturers to compete internationally by facilitating access to certification programs like AYUSH Premium Mark

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Governance and Health: AOGUSY showcases the government’s commitment to traditional medicine as part of its broader healthcare policies.
Economic Growth: By promoting AYUSH exports, the scheme aligns with initiatives like “Make in India.”
Science and Technology: The scheme highlights advancements in pharmacovigilance and drug testing technology, essential for science and health-related topics.
Social Impact: Strengthening AYUSH drugs benefits rural communities that rely on traditional medicines.

Conclusion

AOGUSY plays a pivotal role in modernizing the AYUSH sector, ensuring global competitiveness, and safeguarding public health through robust regulatory frameworks and quality assurance. For UPSC aspirants, understanding its objectives and components is essential for answering questions on health governance, traditional knowledge systems, and regulatory policies.

For further details, you can refer to official releases from the Ministry of Ayush or the Press Information Bureau

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Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana