Sub-Himalayan system of medicine recognised as official by Indian governmnet

Parliament has adopted a bill to recognise within the definition of Indian medicine the Sowa-Rigpa system practised in sub-Himalayan region of the country.


"It would be the endeavour of the government to bring to mainstream Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine in regions where it is prevalent," Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said replying to a debate on the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The Bill was then passed by a voice vote by the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill on 25th August.

Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine is practised in sub-Himalayan region and other parts of the country besides Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and some other countries, he said.

Azad said the bill will ensure protection and preservation of this ancient system of medicine and will help its propagation and development.

Besides, it would lead to setting up of a regulatory mechanism in the field of education and practice of Sowa-Rigpa.

He said the government had also decided to set up a Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine, which now would also include Sowa-Rigpa.

The passage of the bill will enable setting minimum standards for education and maintain a register of all practitioners of Sowa-Rigpa.