Development of consumer guidelines for appropriate use of ayurvedic medicines: Need of hour

Abstract

Severe crisis is being felt by all stakeholders of Ayurveda about appropriate use of Ayurvedic medicines by common consumers. This is more relevant for new clients of Ayurvedic medicines who are very much vulnerable to different advertisements and purchase of Ayurvedic medicines without any thorough knowledge about Ayurvedic medicines. Considering this alarming situation, World Health Organisation country office India sanctioned a project to develop "Consumer guidelines for appropriate use of Ayurvedic medicines". This project was completed successfully in December 2011 and technical report was submitted to WHO in July, 2012. In March, 2013 Dept of AYUSH, Government of India has shown interest to publish technical report of the project for larger benefit of common consumer of Ayurveda. On the basis of greater experiences of Ayurvedic physicians and patients seeking treatment through Ayurveda we prepared guidelines especially about intake of Ayurvedic medicines for consumers. We had addressed criteria from purchase of medicines to parameters during administration with technical advice for storage of medicines. Need of introduction of consumer medicine information (CMI) in packing of Ayurvedic medicines, encouragement for physician advice and awareness about pharmacovigilance programme for Ayurvedic medicines are other suggestive measure for appropriate use of Ayurvedic medicines by common mass of globe.