This section is responsible for the collection of raw materials and manufacturing of traditional medicines based on the traditional formula using latest production technology. The medicines are manufactured based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines and Standard Manufacturing Instruction (SMI).
According to gSo-ba Rig-pa, more than 2990 different types of raw materials are used in traditional medicine. However, at present about 265 different types of raw materials are used to produce 108 compounds of which 98 products constitute the essential list of traditional medicines. About 85% of raw materials are available within the country and remaining 15% are imported from India. The raw materials are classified into:
sNgo-sMen - High altitude medicinal plants
Throg-sMen - Low altitude medicinal plants
Sa-sMen - Mineral origin
Sog-cha-sMen - Animal origin
The section currently produces approximately 5 metric tons of traditional medicines and meets the requirement of district Traditional Medicine Units and the National Traditional Medicine Hospital in Thimphu. In addition, it also produces a dozen of herbal products for the local market. For better patient compliance and management, dosage forms are standardized. Currently, medicines are manufactured in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, syrups, ointment, medicated oil and powder.
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