India Pharma Outlook Team | Thursday, 09 April 2026
A Parliamentary panel has recommended major changes to how traditional medicine drugs are regulated in India, calling for the creation of a single, independent authority to oversee the Ayush sector regulation.
The panel believes that bringing all regulatory functions under one central body—essentially a dedicated drug controller for Ayush—will help remove confusion and ensure better alignment with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Currently, regulation of Ayurveda Siddha Unani Homoeopathy drugs is handled by multiple agencies and state authorities, which often leads to uneven standards and gaps in enforcement.
To fix this, the committee has proposed a uniform licensing system across the country. This would ensure that medicines are manufactured under the same standards, regardless of the state, improving their drug quality and safety standards and overall reliability. A simplified and consistent approval process is also expected to make it easier for manufacturers to comply with regulations and strengthen Ayush drug approval process.
Another important suggestion is the creation of a strong pharmacovigilance system for Ayush medicines. This would involve tracking adverse drug reactions, monitoring safety data, and taking action against misleading advertisements. The panel noted that such measures are essential to build public trust and ensure traditional medicine safety.
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The committee has also highlighted the need to strengthen Ayush scientific research and validation in the sector. It recommended closer collaboration between key institutions to improve drug standardisation in India, testing, and quality checks of traditional medicines.
Overall, the panel believes that a more streamlined and transparent Ayush regulatory framework India will not only improve the credibility of India’s traditional medicine systems but also boost their acceptance globally. The proposed reforms aim to strike a balance between preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring modern standards of safety and quality, while promoting global acceptance of Ayush medicines and encouraging Indian traditional medicine reforms.
