Bureau of Indian Standards Creates Ayush Standardisation Department

Nitin Konde

Aug 9, 2024 — 2 min read

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Sets Up Department for Standardisation in Ayush Sector

Standardisation in the Ayush industry has been fostered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the country's national standards body. Since a specialised standardising section was set up by the Bureau, standardisation efforts in the field have been accelerated. Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy are all part of the traditional Indian medical systems that the new department is working to improve in terms of safety, effectiveness, and quality.

"Under the leadership of renowned experts, the Ayush department at BIS has formed seven sectional committees, each addressing a specific Ayush system," added Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS, while outlining the Ayush standardisation process and structure. In order to guarantee thorough, evidence-based standards that are in compliance with national and international criteria, these committees collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, such as specialists, professional organisations, regulatory agencies, and scientific and technical institutes.

91 Standards Set by BIS Till Now

So far, 91 standards have been created by BIS on a wide range of topics, including individual plants; Ayurvedic and Yoga terminology; Panchakarma tools; Yoga props; and procedures for detecting pesticide residues in herbs. The release of 80 indigenous Indian standards for traditional medicinal herbs has been a boon to the industry and consumers alike by promoting the safe and effective use of these plants. Better Ayurvedic healthcare is possible because to the first-ever national standards for Panchakarma equipment, which standardise both preventative and curative measures.

As part of its efforts to promote sustainability, BIS has developed an indigenous Indian Standard for the "Cotton Yoga Mat," which will assist local producers and manufacturers. Future areas of standardisation that have been highlighted by the department include yoga clothing, Siddha diagnostics, homeopathic remedies, terminology, and individual plants.

Maintaining Consistent Quality is the Key

"As more people turn to Traditional Healthcare Systems, the need for consistent quality, safety, and efficacy in Ayush products and services is imperative," stated Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of Ayush, while expressing his appreciation for the measures taken by the BIS. BIS has demonstrated its dedication to this field by establishing this specialised department and developing essential standards, such as IS: 17873, which is referred to as the "Cotton Yoga Mat." The advancement and development of traditional Indian medicine has reached a significant milestone with these events. The BIS is dedicated to promoting the acceptance and growth of Ayush systems on a national and international scale through the implementation of stringent standards and groundbreaking innovations.

The necessity of establishing national and worldwide standards for Ayush systems has become an absolute necessity as a result of the globalisation of medicine and the growing prevalence of traditional medical practices. The Ministry of Ayush has been making efforts to establish a thriving quality ecosystem in order to ease trade and guarantee the supply of high-quality goods and services to consumers on a national as well as a global scale.