Experts, public interest groups voice concern as EU curbs on ayurvedic drugs takes effect on May 1

With the curbs on ayurvedic drugs in line with EU directive called 'the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD)' went into effect fully from May 1, the experts and NGOs have voiced strong concern on the impact of the ban and claimed that it would deprive millions from the benefits of Ayurveda.  Terming it is a non-trade barrier, another one created by the European Union to choke the Indian industry, they have urged the Government to take the matter to the World Trade Organisation.  “Countries that are producing such indigenous medicines and they have got indigenous cures if we properly standardize them, we can argue in favour of them. We can produce a strong lobby and go into the global market,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, a member of Council of World Medical Association (VMA).   The THMOD had been introduced as a response to growing concern over adverse effects of such alternative medicines. This new legislation claims to put consumer’s safety first by banning the ayurvedic and other herbal products in Europe.     “Choice of treatment modality should be left to the individual’s will as such ban is a direct attack on their right to health. Ayurvedic treatment is well known for its action against chronic and intractable medical conditions without side effects. By implementing THMPD, the European Union (EU) is denying its citizens access to most ancient healing science (Ayurveda), which has helped millions of EU over past few decades, even in the most chronic disorders where modern medicine fails to show results,” according to Dr Pratap Chauhan, director of JIVA Ayurveda.    Research conducted for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2009 showed that 26 per cent of adults in the UK had taken herbal medicine in the last two years, mostly bought over the counter in health food shops and pharmacies.     Leading public interest organization, Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), which has been campaigning against the ban, alleged that the EU made a pact with big pharma companies to force the “force the use of pharmaceutical products no matter whether they are truly the right choice for your situation.”    “Herbal remedies are used throughout the world and have been in use since the beginning of history. This ban is a direct attack on your right to seek alternative medicine for yourself or your family, the motive being to force your money into the pockets of big pharmaceutical companies,” it said.    The ANH is taking legal action against this directive, with the assistance of the European Benefyt Foundation (EBF). It said the ban would eliminate the access to phytotherapy, herbalism and all of the traditional plant-based remedies of Indian, Amazonian, African and Chinese cultures. Source:Pharmabiz