AV: Critics have asserted that more than 90 per cent of those passing out of ISM institutes in India end up practising allopathy.
SS : The veracity of this contention is difficult to judge. Reportedly, a large number of ism practitioners frequently resort to allopathic drugs. There are many reasons for this. In some cases, the inadequacy of ism medical education is the main cause; this could be tackled by improving the standards of institutions.

Another reason is that ism s are slow, though in many cases, they are more effective. Patients desiring immediate relief from the ailment cause practitioners to resort to allopathic drugs. But this is not a one-way traffic. ism drugs are also prescribed by allopathic practitioners. For instance, yogic exercises, Liv-52, Livomin and Chyavanprash are prescribed by modern allopathic doctors.

What is the state of R&D in ISMs?
While discussing this issue, an important fact has to be borne in mind. While most of the pioneering research in allopathy has been conducted in the West - the results of which are available in our country - the West has practically no r & d to offer with respect to ism s. Therefore, the need for a larger r & d effort in ism s within our country is a must.

A lot of money is required to support high quality research. There has been a paucity of resources in the past. The stated efficacy of the treatments mentioned in classical texts have to be validated through modern research because data alone will carry conviction with today's educated people. Secondly, research is necessary to progressively examine the efficacy of plants, minerals and modern drugs found in nature. Research has to also focus on what happens to the drug when it is inside the body and how it acts to effect cure. Finally, research is needed to lay down the standards of drugs to ensure quality treatment.

These are the areas where not only the ism bodies but also research institutes and universities have to be involved in. The department is proposing to precisely do this once additional funds become available.

What is the role of the office of secretary, ISM&H, in encouraging ISMs? It has been argued that an ISM specialist rather than an IAS officer should head this department.
The primary function of any department is policy formulation, planning and review of ongoing programmes. These functions are best performed by a generalist administrator. Also, according to the govern ment's consciously evolved policy framework, the secretariat side is looked after by civil servants helped by a parallel line of technical officers.

In the department of ism & h , there are six branches - Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. If a technical person was to be the secretary, then there will be a new question - from which of the six disciplines should the specialist/technical head come from? Obviously, the present pattern is quite appropriate.

Where have been the previous governments lacking in providing encouragement to ISMs?
I will not hold any particular government responsible because the neglect of ism & h has been a consistent and common phenomenon at both Central and state levels. The main deficiencies of the past would include inadequate resource availability, inadequate facilities in ism educational institutions, minimum research relating to all aspects of ism s, acute shortage of genuine plant material, inadequate ism treatment facilities for the public.

What are your priorities in encouraging the ISMs?
The extension of treatment facilities will have to be the responsibility of state governments. ngo s will have to be involved in providing quality treatment. I have also written to the Prime Minister requesting additional funds. The role of the government will be to ensure ethical behaviour and fairness.

The r & d efforts will have to be the responsibility of the Centre. The problems relating to standards, increased availability of medicinal plants and quality ism education are our immediate priorities. The Ninth Plan, beginning 1997, gives us an opportunity to redress the problems of neglect and resources for the ism sector.