The Union Ministry of Ayush amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 in a significant step to reinforce the traditional medicine frameworks with the inclusion of global standards in Homoeopathy and Sowa Rigpa systems of medicine. The amendment included French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia, along with German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, which are there along with others to standardize the import and manufacture of homoeopathic drugs in India.

Key Points:

• New Standards for Homoeopathy:

The amendment includes French and European Pharmacopoeias in the standards of homoeopathic medicines and brings India's practices at par with international standards.

• Document Expansion for Traditional Medicines:

The First Schedule of the Act now incorporates:

1. 20 books of Homoeopathy, including the works - Materia Medica Pura and others authored by none other than Homoeopath founder Samuel Hahnemann.

2. 34 texts on Sowa Rigpa, the ancient Tibetan medical system, integrating Indian, Chinese, and Greco-Arab traditions, such as The Four Tantras (Gyushi).

3. Focus on Sowa Rigpa:

   This system has been recognized by the Central Council of Indian Medicine since 2012, utilizing methods such as pulse analysis and urinalysis with natural medicines and physical therapies in treating illnesses.

The Government's Vision:
This amendment, indeed, reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Ayush for further integration of traditional medicine with modern standards. It also reinforces India's leadership in preserving and promoting indigenous healthcare systems while adopting global best practices. The updated Act ensures greater standards of traditional medicines and underlines the growing importance of Homoeopathy and Sowa Rigpa for the health landscape of the country.