Digital library for medicinal plants on cards

Amiti Sen

New Delhi, Dec 6: In a move aimed at forestalling awarding patents for medicinal use of plants which have been codified and have been in the public domain for centuries, the government is establishing a traditional knowledge digital library and a resource classification centre to provide a data-base on the medical knowledge of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha systems.

The department of Indian System of Medicines & Homeopathy (ISM&H) is also planning to take appropriate policy measures to respond to the issues concerning protection of indigenous traditional plants used in the preparation of tribal and folk medicines.

At present, the traditional knowledge digital library is being established for about 35,000 Ayurveda plants described in 14 ancient texts which will help prevent granting patents on non-original inventions. The work has already started and is expected to be completed in a year’s time, say sources. The project is expected to cost Rs 1 crore.