Ayurveda industry in Kerala seeks integration of IRIA with Central research centres

The Ayurveda industry in Kerala has sought integration of the International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA), Kalliad, Kannur, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on February 25, with the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) proposed in the Union Budget.

D. Ramanathan, general secretary, Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI), said on Sunday (February 8) that the State government could send an application for the purpose. He pointed out that once the Union AYUSH Ministry approves the proposal, Central funds could be released for research work. According to government sources, the first phase of the IRIA has been completed at ₹200 crore. It has a 100-bed hospital, a medicinal plants garden, a manuscript study centre, and a research centre. Dr. Ramanathan also said that a scheme should be conceived to promote the cultivation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, like what has been proposed for enhancing the productivity of coconut.

Meanwhile, the AMMOI functionaries have also urged the State government to send applications for setting up an All-India Institute of Ayurveda in the State. Three such institutes across the country have been proposed in the Union Budget. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, had said that the Centre would seek proposals from States. The Minister had said that the institutes would help expand high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education, advanced research, and tertiary care services.