Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with World Health Organization–South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO), is hosting a four-day regional workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for herbal medicines in Mumbai. The event, being held at the RRAP-Central Ayurveda Research Institute from August 19 to 22, brings together international and Indian experts in traditional medicine.
The workshop was inaugurated by CCRAS Director General Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Pavan Godatwar, and former Emami Director Dr. C.K. Katiyar, in the presence of officials from CCRAS, WHO, PCIM&H, and RRAP-CARI. Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer in Charge of WHO-SEARO, addressed the gathering through a video message, underlining the importance of ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicines.
Delegates from Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India are participating in the programme, which includes six technical modules delivered by experts such as former CDSCO official Dr. Sudipt Dey and former ICMR Director Dr. Satyabrata Maiti. The workshop also features exposure visits to WHO-GMP certified herbal medicine manufacturing units, along with field visits to Emami facilities in Silvassa and Zandu farms in Gujarat.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Godatwar emphasized that the initiative reflects India’s commitment to producing high-quality herbal medicines in GMP-certified units, serving as a model for other South-East Asian countries. Dr. Raman Singh, Director of PCIM&H, updated participants on recent sectoral developments and India’s growing role in global collaborations through WHO-led workshops.
