Q6.How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

Traditional medical knowledge, a cumulative heritage of indigenous communities, faces biopiracy threats from pharmaceutical companies. The Government of India employs comprehensive strategies to protect this invaluable asset.

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)

• Unique database documenting Indian medical systems (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga) in multiple international languages.
• Serves as prior art for international patent offices, preventing erroneous patent grants on India's TK.
• Successfully challenged and revoked numerous biopiracy attempts.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

• Indian Patent Act, 1970 (amended): Section 3(p) explicitly excludes traditional knowledge from patentability, keeping it in the public domain.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Regulates access to biological resources and associated TK, ensuring prior informed consent and fair benefit sharing with local communities.

International Advocacy

• India actively advocates at WIPO and CBD for a legally binding international instrument to protect traditional knowledge, genetic resources, and folklore.
• Aims to establish global norms against biopiracy.

Ministry of AYUSH Initiatives

• Promotes, researches, and standardizes traditional Indian medicine systems.
• Undertakes documentation, validation, and quality control of traditional practices.

Community Empowerment

Efforts educate local communities and stakeholders on TK value and protection mechanisms, empowering them to safeguard their heritage.

India's multi-pronged approach, combining defensive databases, robust legal frameworks, international advocacy, and institutional support, effectively safeguards its rich traditional medical heritage from exploitation, ensuring its preservation and equitable benefit sharing.