ABSTRACT

Patanjali Ayurvedic Kendra is a type of medical store where all the

medicines of Baba Ramdev are available any time and
people can get easily these medicines in efficient price. It was
started in February, 2008 in Pantnagar market. Patanjali
Ayurvedic products are pure and effective, scientifically
developed Herbomineral medicines prepared by Swami Ramdevji
and Acharya Balkrishnaji. These products were broadly
categorized into three main categories Medicinal Value Products
(Ayurved and Herbs); Food Products (Foods and Juices) and
Cosmetic Products. The Kendra was started with 26 patanjali
products but day by day the demand of consumers for Patanjali
products has increased. To meet the consumer requirements
number of products in every month has been added at retail
store. Presently 120 products are available at the Kendra. An
increase of 94 products of all three categories within just four
years may be attributed to their high medicinal value, herbal
nature based on Ayurveda and economic feature .

HISTORY OF PATANJALI
It was in 1932 that the Kripalu Bagh Ashram was built by scholarly erudite
and god realized Swami Kripalu Dev Maharaj on the land next to the holy
Ganges. Concomitant with this noble struggle, Swami Kripalu Dev along
with another great spiritualist Swami Shraddhanand, who was the founder
of the pure and chaste hindu traditions of the GURUKUL KANGRI,
organized a movement of rejuvenation of pristine Indian ancient traditions
and renaissance of its glorious and hoary past whereby the country, its
religion and all related aspects, covered by the gathering dust of centuries
neglect, were rediscovered and extolled. Kripalu Bagh Ashram was the
place where the great patriots like Sh. Rash Bihari Bose had taken shelter
during
their
operations
for
freedom
movements.
Later, Swami Kripalu Dev was succeeded by his illustrious disciple Swami
Shankar Dev Maharaj, well conversant with vedic knowledge and an
ardent advocate of noble human values.

It was then in 1995, that the seeds for forming another trust based on the
disciples that were followed at Kripalu Bagh Ashram were planted. Swami
Kripalu Dev called upon Swami Ram Dev and Acharya Balkrishna who
dedicated their presence to augment the haloed traditions of the trust
based on selfless service.
Initially Divya Yog Mandir (Trust) was founded 1995 at Kankhal in Hardwar
(Uttarakhand, India) followed by Meditation Centre at Gangotri in the
Himalayas, Brahmakalpa Chikitsalaya, Divy Pharmacy, Divya Prakashan,
Divya Yog Sadhana, Patajali Yogpeeth Mahashaya Hiralal Arsh Gurukul
Yog Gram and Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) in the later years.
Swami Randev having excellence in education, vedic learning and
promoter of nationalism and Acharya Balkrishna who is a great spiritualist
& scholar of Ayurveda, together continue to exalt the traditions and enrich
the future with what the trust had enshrined and achieved in its glorious
preceding years.

VISION
Patanjali Yogpeeth envisions making a disease-free world through a
scientific approach to Yog and Ayurveda where every individual can have
healthy existence.
MISSION
Making India an ideal place for the growth and development of Ayurveda
and a prototype for rest of the world.

VALUES
All the objectives and activities of Patanjali Yogapeeth revolve around the
core value of humanity. It draws its inspiration from Swami Ramdev.
Services provided by the Patanjali Yogapeeth in the field of social,
spiritual, health and philosophy are drawn by the following values:

Considering guru satta (guru power) and bhagwat satta (god

power) at the top.

Performing self-duty with full dedication, capability and integrated

courage.

Taking knowledge, prosperity, success, empire, wealth and glory as

prasada (offerings) of guru and bhagwat kripa (god grace) and avoid
ignorance.

Creating a healthy nation with emphasis on the character building

and leadership quality.
ABOUT US
Patanjali is the largest group of institutions founded by Swami Ramdev
and Acharya Balkrishna. The overall purpose of the group is to practise,
research and develop yoga and Ayurveda. The different units functional as
a part of Patanjali Group are:
Divya Swabhiman Trust
Bharat Swabhiman Trust was founded on January 5, 2009 with the
mission of making a healthy, clean, prosperous, self-sufficient, corruption
free, unemployment and poverty free India. The trust is working
throughout the country for rendering health facilities to all through
indeginous health systems of Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy; pondering

education & sacraments to Indian children in native languages to

transform education systems; eradicatng corruption and removing
economic imbalances; sharing all national resources for all countrymen
equally; proper water management; eliminating unemployment, poverty
and hunger; industrializing agronomy; environment protection; putting a
check on rapidly growing population and safeguarding Indian culture as
well as spiritual values.
Divya Yog Mandir (Trust)
Divya Yog Mandir Trust was established in 1995 and is one of the major
organizations of the Patanjali group. The prime objective of the trust is to
foster education based on modern scientific learning; to promote a healthy
mind and a vibrant body enabling facilitation of spiritual development to
rejuvenate latent noble virtues in children so that their lives epitomize the
values of beauty, dedication, and rationalism thereby engendering a world
of harmony friendship, brotherhood, peace, and prosperity.
Patanjali Food and Herbal Park
It is Indias first and foremost Food Park having world class machineries
for production of food products. It produces more than 50 types of food
and herbal products with a capacity of about 200 tonnes of production/day
of fruit juices, and other herbal drinks, sherbets, etc. along with herbal
products such as Ayurvedic medicines, edibles, etc. This Food Park helps
the laborers and farmers dependent on farmlands and barns to get fair
price for their products and on the other hand, benefit the consumers with
harmless and healthy products.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth was founded by Yog Guru Baba Ramdev and
revered Ayurvedic expert Acharya Balkrishna with the purpose of
establishing Ayurveda and Yoga on the world map. Since its inception, the

institution has been engaged in study, research and development of vedic

systems of Ayurveda and Yoga.
Over the years, Patanjali Yogpeeth has been well recognised as the
premier organisation to define Yoga and Ayurveda on the parameters of
modern medical science not only in India but also in the global arena. One
of the major key areas of Patanjalis work is to disseminate knowledge
present in the ancient texts in a contemporary and practical style, so that
community can benefit from it.
In addition, it is also working for the promotion of education, eradication of
corruption and minimisation of economic disparities and financial
inequalities.
Patanjali University
Patanjali University has been established to give new dimensions to the
philosophy of Yoga and Ayurveda. The University offers Degree and
Diploma courses in Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Yoga, Computer Science,
and Ph.D in Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedic Sciences, Traditional medicine
systems, Philosophy, Spirituality, Culture and traditions and World
heritage.
Patanjali Yog Gram
Yog Gram is an excellent and unique centre for providing holistic treatment
through an integrated use of yoga, naturopathy and harmless herbs and
medicinal plants. It is an unprecedented experiment of bringing together
the age-old rural ambience and the ultra-modern lifestyle and the latest
architecture. It is a Gram but has all posh amenities that you could fancy
and caters to the needs of everyone; and gives you a chance to give your
sickened and wearied body and mind a total overhauling,
Patanjali Gramodhyog (Trust)

This trust is established for the purpose of moral, social and economic
upliftment of the rural community. The aim and objective of the trust is to
establish Gramodhyog using the resources and manpower available in the
villages, to organize and manage the traditional knowledge, art and skills
in the villages and convert the same into an industry. The trust also works
for management and mitigation of disasters which affect the lives of the
rural people. The trust takes disaster mitigation activities such as
distribution of medicine, food and blankets to the flood victims;
implantation of solar lights, biogas plant, etc. time to time. Farmer clubs
are also formed to foster unity and cooperation of the villagers.
Patanjali Research Foundation
The aim and objectives of Patanjali Research Foundation is to undertake
research in the areas of bio-medical studies, revitalizing & restore ancient
systems of knowledge and synchronization between traditional and
modern system of medicine, traditional agriculture activities, development
of new products, processes which are eco-friendly, Indian system of
medicine and Yoga therapy etc. The evaluation of the effect of Yoga and
meditation on the physiological functioning of the body is studied using
present-day scientific methods at the foundation, with an aim of using
these traditional systems of healing to promote health and manage
disease.
Patanjali Yogpeeth, UK
PYP (UK) Trust was established as a registered UK charity in 2006. PYP
(UK) Trust has many visionary aims and objectives, all focused around
one key aim: to make a disease-free world through a scientific approach to
Yog and Ayurved. Here, trained yog teachers also give giving their free
time to raising health awareness in local communities by holding yog
classes.

Patanjali Yogpeeth, USA

Patanjali Yogpeeth USA (PYP-US) Trust was established as a registered
US charity in 2008 for the propagation and implementation of the
philosophy and objectives of Patanjali Yogpeeth internationally.
Patanjali Ayurveda Hospital
Patanjali Ayurveda Hospital has the distinction of worlds largest Ayurvedic
O.P.D. center with state of the art facilities for treating 500 OPD
patients/day
including
pathology
lab,
Ayurveda
treatment
facilities, Panchkarma and Shatkarmaunits, ophthalmology dept., dental
dept., surgery dept., accommodation facilities and yoga research unit
equipped with modern facilities. Free Ayurveda and yoga therapeutic
consultation
is
offered
by
well-trained vaidyas and
health
experts. Shalakya is a specialised division for dental, eye care and ENT
treatment services at very nominal charges. World class quality Ayurvedic
medicines & other herbal products of Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali
Ayurved Ltd. (Units of Patanjali Yogpeeth) are also available at the lowest
price considering the affordability of poor patients. It is one of the largest
Ayurvedic ISO, GLP, GPP certified pharmacy in India.
Patanjali Ayurveda College
Patanjali Ayurveda College affiliated with Uttarakhand Technical University
offers B.A.M.S. course. Highly qualified and experienced faculties have
been appointed to provide quality education to the students. The college is
equipped with modern laboratories and other necessary facilities for
students. Separate hostel facilities are also available for boys and girls.
Patanjali Herbal Garden
The purpose of establishing this herbal garden is conservation, expansion
and research of Medicinal Herbs & Shrubs. It has a beautiful collection of

more than 200 medicinal herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers and ornamental
plants being cultivated scientifically. A team of scientists and volunteers
from botany and agriculture field are engaged regularly for research. Many
scarce medicinal plants have been grown with great care after intensive
research and organic manure is also produced for in-house utilization as
well as sale at the garden.
Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.
Industrial units equipped with ultra-modern machinery to make the
ancient, traditional and classical knowledge of Ayurveda reach the
common man in its pure form are installed at Patanjali Ayurved. The
manufacturing units adhere to the latest standards of quality like GMP,
GLP, GPP, ISO, and OHSAS on international level. Here, new researches
merge with old traditions. The discoveries made by the ancient sages are
presented with new research; keeping natural taste intact and providing
maximum benefits.
Patanjali Bio Research Institute
The institute is involved in developing techniques for organic farming
through biotechnological applications, implanting biogas plant at a lesser
cost for the benefit of farmers, developing ecofriendly and farmer friendly
bio-fertilizers. Good laboratory facilities are also available for testing the
quality of fertilizers.
Yog Sandesh
Published in 14 Indian languages, this is a monthly journal containing
articles on Yoga, Ayurveda, Culture, Refinement and Spirituality. It has a
wide circulation in almost 25 countries with a monthly readership of more
than a million of people in India and abroad.
Vedic Broadcasting Ltd.

As a part of information dissemination program on a global scale, Astha

Channel is being broadcasted purely meant for propagating Indian culture
and heritage, Ayurvedic education, Yoga etc. This channel has a high
viewership in different countries including USA and UK. Moreover through
an hour special program every day, Acharya Balkrishna explains benefits
and practical aspects of Ayurveda, eradication of diseases through
Ayurveda and self-practiced Ayurvedic remedies.
Divya Prakashan
Divya Prakashan is an in-house publishing unit of Patanjali wherein high
standard books are published in Hindi, English and other native
languages. The publications deal with the aims and objectives, philosophy
and activities of the Yogpeeth as well as the oriental genres like Yoga,
ayurveda, culture, refinements, patriotism, herbs and medicinal plants,
panchagavya, etc.
Divya Pharmacy
Divya Pharmacy has had the exalted vision to bring Ayurveda to society in
a contemporary form and to unravel the mystery behind this haloed and
revered, Indian system of medicine by exploring and selecting indigenous
herbs, ancient Ayurvedic literatures and subjecting the formulations to
modern pharmacological, toxicological safety tests and clinical trials to
create new drugs and therapies. It has become the first medicine
manufacturing unit of Uttarakhand to get ISO-9001 and WHO-GMP
certifications. International standards like Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP), Good Packaging Practices (GPP), Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP) and Good Harvesting Practices (GHP) are being strictly followed at
the pharmacy.
Patanjali Gaushala

A Gaushala has been established at Gurukul Gaushala Farm where about

200 cows of Haryana & Sahiwal are being reared. The units for utilizing
bullock power and Panchgavya Research & Training Centre have also
been set up at the Gaushala Farm.
Aacharyakulam
Acharyakulam was inaugurated on 26th of April, 2013 with an innovative
vision in the field of value based education. It is a residential educational
institute, is the divine confluence of the age old tradition of imparting
wisdom and knowledge in the ancient Gurukulams by our ancestral Rishis
& Munies and the ultramodern Scientific, Professional and IT enabled
education system of today.

Our Mission - To make the World Disease Free

Patanjali Yogpeeth's founder, Swami Ramdev Ji, advocates adopting five
principles to attain good health and well-being, namely, Pranayam
(breathing exercises), Yog Aasans (physical exercises), Ayurved,
Acupressure, Naturopathy, and Balanced Living.
Swami Ramdev Ji, a world's leading yog master, established Patanjali
Yogpeeth Foundation in the USA, with the specific aim of promoting the
ancient Indian science of yog/pranayam and thus spreading its benefits
as widely as possible in North America. Under Swami Ramdev Ji's
guidance, the thousands who attend his yog camps and the millions
who watch his daily televised broadcasts all over the world have been
cured of various diseases and ailments and have gone on to lead
healthier and more purposeful lives.
Yog is a complete philosophy of life based on scientific principles and it
can be used effectively for Self Healing and Self Realization. Yog is not a
mere exercise technique. Rather, it is a tool that unites our mind, body,
and soul assisting one on a journey to reaching the profound state of
Self Realization. It brings discipline in life and works upon our system

rather than our symptoms. The therapeutic use of Yog is in removing

toxins from the body and nourishing it with the support of right food.
The benefits of Yog can be divided into two parts: Physical and Spiritual.
First, we bring the physical body in perfect shape by performing Yog
Pranayam and Asans thus making the muscles flexible and getting more
energy into the body. Second, through a regular practice of Yog,
Ayurved, and having a balanced living a complete integration of body
and mind is achieved, which helps improve the quality of life. Finally, we
achieve complete physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being
by balancing reproductive, excretory, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory,
nervous, and endocrinal systems.

Medical Services
PatanjaliYogpeeth is a renowned name in the field of medical science, rendering
free services to millions of people across the globe throughYoga andAyurveda.
1. Free Yoga Classes In Patanjali Yogpeeth : Free Yoga
classes are conducted in the premises of Patanjali Yogpeeth
by trained Yoga Instructors at one hour interval.
2. Yoga Science Camps : People below poverty line are
permitted to participate in the Residential and NonResidential Yoga Science Camps held in towns and cities of
India from time to time in the benign presence of Yogrishi
Swami Ramdevji Maharaj.
3. Free Yoga Classes Through Patanjali Yog Samiti : Fifty
thousand free Yoga classes by about twenty million
dedicated and trained Yoga teachers take place everyday in
nook and corner of India. About two million Yoga teachers
have been engaged in training & teaching of people in East
Africa, South Africa, U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Nepal & Mauritius.

Ayurveda1. Free Ayurvedic Consultancy In Patanjali

Yogpeeth : Free consultancy in Ayurveda is provided in
Patanjali Yogpeeth. Over fifty well educated Ayurvedacharya
(Vaidya) having B.A.M.S./ M.D./ M.S. degree, render their
valuable services to about two thousand patients suffering
from various chronicle diseases daily, free of cost. This team
of Vaidyas is also engaged in giving Free Ayurvedic
consultancy through letters, fax, e-mails &phone also.
2. Free Ayurvedic Consultancy At Patanjali
Chikitsalayas : Divya Yog Mandir (Trust) manages to run
over two thousand Patanjali Chikitsalayas and Patanjali
Arogya Kendras in India and abroad, where about one
thousand able Ayurvedacharya (Vaidya) having B.A.M.S./
M.D. degrees, examine and prescribe treatment, free of cost
to about fifty thousand patients daily.
3. Yoga Science Camps : Ateam of Vaidyas also provide
freeAyurvedic consultancy to the participants of Yoga
Science Camps held in different towns and cities of India
from time to time in the benign presence ofYogrishi Swami
Ramdevji Maharaj.
4. Free Distribution Of Medicines : Medicines and food
supplements are provided on appropriate/ hundred percent
discount to the economically weaker people.
5. Free Investigation Facility : Appropriate discount is given
to the people below poverty line on all type of investigations
in Pathology Lab and Imaging & research centre of Patanjali
Yogpeeth.
Other Services
1. Free Residential Facilities are provided to the poor people in the hospice
(Mahrishi Balmiki Dharamshala) of PatanjaliYogpeeth.
Mahrishi Balmiki Dharamshala (Hospice) :
Haridwar is the religious capital of the country, where lac of pilgrims come from
all across the globe daily. Some of them belong to poor section of the society who
can't even arrange fooding and lodging on their own. Keeping this fact in view, a
four story huge hospice of 86,000 sq. ft. covered area has been built in Patanjali

Yogpeeth-2 by Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust), where lodging facilities for about 1000
persons are available. On ground floor 53, on first floor 90, on second floor 87 and
on third floor 84 spacious rooms with modern facilities have been built. This
hospice has been named after Mahrishi Balmiki, the author of the great epic
'Ramayana.'
Yajna is performed daily within the premises so that the persons staying in this
hospice may come closer to Indian values and traditions. Visitors can also seek free
Ayurvedic consultancy in O.P.D. of Patanjali Yogpeeth. They can also gain the
practical knowledge of Yoga and Pranayama by participating in Yoga Classes
which are conducted at one hour interval.

2. Free food arrangements are made in the Sant Ravidas Langar of

PatanjaliYogpeeth..
3. Free Transportation facility is also available for patients as well
as visitors visiting Patanjali Yogpeeth, from Kankhal to
PatanjaliYogpeeth &vice versa.
4. Free facility of a world class Library to the visitors is available in
PatanjaliYogpeeth.

5. Yajna (Agnihotra), as a means of purifying the atmosphere, attainment of

worldly pleasures, prosperity, inner tranquility & relief from miseries and diseases
is performed daily in the Yajnashala situated in Patanjali Yogpeeth s premises as
well as other premises owned by Divya Yog Mandir (Trust)&PatanjaliYogpeeth
(Trust).
6. Free Education & Training is given from time to time to
peasants in Medicinal Plant Agriculture &Panchgavya.

The United States of America is the third most populous country in the world, and the
fourth largest by total area. With a population of over 318 million, the country is

ethnically diverse and has the largest economy in the world. The countrys growth
slowed down after the 9/11 attacks and the recession in 2009 added to that as the
economy contracted significantly. However, the economy is now moving on steady
course forward thanks to increase in business investment, consumer expenditure and
substantial decrease in unemployment.
Lets take a look at the PEST analysis of USA:

POLITICAL
USA has a strong democratic setup and effective rule of law, with elections that are
considered fair and transparent. The country enjoys massive political and economic
influence over both national and global policymaking, and is recognized as the leading
superpower in the world. However, the country faces international criticism for its
interventionist policies regarding the War on Terror which is souring foreign relations,
and at the same time fueling terrorist groups, increasing the threat of terrorism.

ECONOMIC
With a GDP of over $16.760 trillion, the US is the largest economy in the world. The
economic system is well-developed and gathers its strength from its services and
manufacturing industries. The recession in 2009 adversely affected the economy of the
country and unemployment rates soared to an alarming point. But the economy
bounced back with a growth of around 4% in the third quarter of 2014 as consumers and
businesses have stepped up spending. However, the increasing budget deficit puts the
economic prosperity of the country at grave risk as the deficit currently amounts to a
staggering $506 million.

SOCIAL
Like most developed countries, the US faces the problem of an aging population which
can lead to a serious labor shortage and rising tax rates in the future. Nonetheless, the
education and healthcare system is one of the best in the world. A majority of the
population has a liberal mindset, but rising racial intolerance is a serious concern.
Additionally, increasing illegal immigration is another concern, as there are currently

more than 11.7 million people living illegally in the US, further increasing the risk of
racial discrimination.

TECHNOLOGY
Innovation and technology are the cornerstones of the US economy. Since its inception,
the country has been leading in terms of adapting and applying technology. Though the
country faces strong competition from rising economies, it is expected it will continue to
retain a technology supremacy over its competitors. Additionally, the US has also been
at the forefront in enhancing and developing technologies in areas such as
nanotechnology, environmental technology and biotechnology, which opens up massive
opportunities for companies with expertise in the mentioned fields. IT is another field
the US has been excelling in. However, it has also been facing intense competition from
countries like China and India.
So, in this PEST analysis of USA, we examined briefly the various factors that are
affecting the external macro environment of the country.

Market Scenario
USA
There is growing awareness among people in US about health and there
is a shift in attitude of the people towards nature care products due to a
powerful green wave. This is because of the perceived pernicious effects
on health of individual of the alternative medicines. It is believed by many
in the US now that high-tech medicines do not pay attention to a patients
belief system and the possible side effects that may be caused by
protracted use of allopathic drugs. This has helped the herbal medicines
to make an impact in the US market.
The World Health Organisation has estimated that at least 25% of all
allopathic medicines contain a plant derivative.
It is difficult to estimate US herbal market because these activities are not
econometrically tracked. However there is strong indication that alternative
medicine markets are growing.
In US, Ayurveda is not a licensed practice but many health practitioners in
related areas do practice some aspects of it. At least several hundred
physicians have trained themselves in the US at Ayurvedic institutes.
There were approximately 10 Ayurveda clinics in North America that
served more than 25,000 patients since 1985. More than 200 physicians
have received the training for Ayurveda through the American Association

of Ayurvedic medicines. A modern revitalisation of Ayurveda is now being

practiced as Maharishi Ayurveda. A number of Indian trained Ayurvedic
physicians practice or teach Ayurveda in the United States.
The Ayurvedic and Siddha products are not approved medicines in US.
They enter US market as para-medicines or health food supplements.
FDA approves these medicines to be sold in their domestic market. FDA
does not even consider any herb as medicines therefore, they are labelled
as dietary supplements. This is one of the reasons for allopathic medical
schools not informing their students about the herbal medicines.
According to the results of the study conducted by Health Policy Institutes
at the medical college of Wisconsin the per capita supply of alternative
physicians is expected to rise by 124% between 1994 to 2010 compared
to rate of growth of 16% for conventional doctors.
Herbal companies dwarf in comparison to pharmaceutical companies, still
some companies have gained their foot in US market such as Herbal Life
and Madaus, Murdock Schwabe. Herbal Life Company is expanding
globally almost adding a new country every year for its products. Some
pharmaceutical companies like Novartis have started marketing natural
alternatives.
In 1992, Congress created the office of Alternative Medicines (OAM) and
a program advisory committee within National Institute of Health (NIH).
The fund allocated to them has increased from 2 million dollars to 7.4
million dollars. There is research that is being done on herbal medicines
major part of them is privately funded. A great deal of money is being
given to Bastyr University for research being done on herbal effects on
HIV and AIDS. Sales of vitamins accounted for 1.15-1.26 billion dollars,
natural medicines took in 270-298 million dollars and herbs 520-560
million dollars in year 1995 alone.
Some insurance companies have started covering unconventional
medicine through HMOs. Oxford is the first US insurance company to
form a network of alternative practitioners. Other insurers such as
American Western Life, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield,
Mutual of Omaha and Prudential offer limited coverage for alternative
medicines. But still no insurance companies pay for herbs.
Acupuncture has become one of the established health care systems in
USA. This therapy has its origin in China. There are about six thousand
five hundred acupuncturists in US whereas the Ayurvedic doctors are
lesser in number compared to the acupuncturist. Acupuncture,
Chiropractic and Naturopathy are the three alternative medicines that are
licensed and regulated in US. Homeopathy is the only alternative systems
of medicine that has sound educational base and has officially established
alternative drug production system regulated by FDA. The annexure 1(xi)
gives the American Herbal market in a complete total perspective.

Indian Government and US

In a significant move to give the much-needed impetus to propagation of
Ayurvedic drugs and medical practices in the United States, the
Government of India, in association with the Indian Consulate in New
York, will soon set up an Ayurveda Development Board in the US.
(pharmabiz September 26, 2000). A decision to this effect was taken at
the Ayurveda Conference held in New York in the second week of
September, under the aegis of the department of Indian systems of
medicine and Homeopathy (DISM&H). According to a government
release, the Board will act as a platform from where information on Indian
governments policies and projects with regard to Ayurveda could be
disseminated to the groups/scientists/institutions in the US. Importantly,
the Board would function as an intermediary between Indian industry and
the US-FDA with a view to identifying the promotional efforts needed to
enhance the credibility of Ayurvedic products in that country. Ayurvedic
drug exporters from India is now finding it difficult to obtain the FDA
approvals which require detailed documentation about the safety and
efficacy of the products. One of the mandates of the proposed Board
would be with individual Ayurvedic drug manufactures as also apex
industrial bodies like the Confederation of Indian Industry. By acting in
concert with the US Medical Schools Department of Alternative Medicine,
the Board would work towards introduction of academic courses on
Ayurveda. Such courses are expected to give exposure training to the US
medical graduates and such other qualified groups. As a beginning, a
module for training the physicians in the US would be developed. Experts
from the Gujarat Ayurveda University would be entrusted to finalize the
module, which would be printed and made available widely in the form of
an essential curriculum. As part of the program, the DISM&H would also
provide sponsorship to selected Ayurvedic college teachers as per the
module. In addition, the board will establish a cell to coordinate with all
NGOs who have an interest in the propagation of Ayurveda in various part
of the US. Among the main functions of the Board would be alerting the
CGs office or the embassy against any misuse of goodwill of Ayurveda by
unscrupulous elements.