RAW DRUG REPOSITORY

Subject: Science and tech

Context :A Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines for the southern plateau region is being set up at the National Institute of Siddha, Chennai.

Concept:

• The repository will serve as a library-cum-museum and house database of raw drugs of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha in the southern region.
• This repository will provide A to Z details of a drug, comprising all scientific data, under one roof.
• Though most of the raw drugs are commonly available, there is a lack of scientific documentation that makes research on these medicines difficult.
• Easy availability of authentic scientific data of raw drugs will promote research on the medicines belonging to the AYUSH system.
• The establishment of RRDRs was a component of the Union government’s National AYUSH Mission.
• National Medicinal Plants Board (under AYUSH Ministry), has initiated the establishment of the National Raw Drug Repository and Regional Raw Drug Repositories.