Table 1.

Major Suggested Changes for Indian Herbal Drug Industry (from Survey Responses)

• Promotion of AYUSH education, with emphasis on technical education in AYUSH

• Popularization and promotion of Indian system of medicine in foreign countries

• Elaborate guidelines on quality control of herbal medicines

• Development of monographs and reference standards for marker-based analysis for all the plants used in medicinal preparations

• Supply of standardized and certified raw materials and extracts, sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants by identifying suitable zones

• Awareness regarding GAP, GACP, and GSP among growers and manufacturers

• Implementation and regulation of the DCA

• Development of unified protocols, defined timelines, and specific guidelines defining the meetings with regulators

• Capacity building and knowledge sharing within small to medium enterprises

• Financial assistance

AYUSH, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathy; DCA, Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940; GACP, good agricultural and collection practices; GAP, good agriculture practices; GSP, good storage practices.