TMB Report
Imphal: Observing that the importance of scheduled conversations on intellectual rights and regulatory frameworks for traditional medicines cannot be overstated, Union Minister of State for Education & External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan noted that positioning of the traditional practices for global acceptance is the need of the hour and for this, our traditional practices will have to be tried and tested using tools for modern acceptance.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of Bioresource Conclave and Ethno-pharmacology Congress organised by Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Imphal and Society for Ethnopharmacology (SFE), India at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound on Friday.
The conclave is being held under the theme “Reimagine Ethnopharmacology: Globalization of Traditional Medicine”.
Dr RK Ranjan stated that we are a reservoir of traditional medicinal knowledge and practices and our traditional practices – be it Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga or Unnani – they served our forefathers well, for their well-being and holistic health care since time immemorial.
He observed that the data on the extent or types of ethno-pharmacological studies being undertaken of our traditional medical practices is rare and as such we need to encourage and promote such studies.
The Union Minister asserted that it is high time that we initiate such studies, large scale, especially for the traditional medical practices in the North East Region. These practices are fast disappearing. Let’s act now, else the knowledge accumulated over centuries and millennia will be lost forever, he stated.
He opined that today, there is a twin pressure on the sustainability of traditional medical practices, in the North East that of progressively dwindling practitioners, non-documentation of these practices. Also the question of availability of necessary bio-resources, is omni present, he added.
He exuded confidence that the conference will help sensitise the participants, and beyond, regarding these and that the discussions, over the next few sessions, will consider these issues In-depth. A plausible outcome, suggesting ways and means to overcome these issues will be more than welcome, he added.
Dr RK Ranjan maintained that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the need to revive the profound knowledge of our ancient systems of medicine was felt. To ensure optimal development and propagation of what we collectively call the AYUSH systems of healthcare, the Ministry of AYUSH was formed in November 2014, he conveyed.
The Prime Minister has also envisioned the North East Region as the new engine of growth for India. North East India is today front and centre, in the minds of our political leadership. Do consider studying our practices. The next “billion dollar” formulation can be developed from our very own indigenous medical practices, he stated.
He congratulated the Society for Ethnopharmacology, India and International Society for Ethnopharmacology, Switzerland for collaborating with IBSD Imphal for organising this conclave and congress.
Dr RK Ranjan further expressed belief that the event will go a long way in showcasing our bioresource wealth, and our traditional practices and in creating awareness.
