Rationale

The increased life expectancy and changing lifestyles have created a demand for alternatives in medical care. But, are the Traditional Medical Systems really poised tommeet this demand? What kind of role can they apply? Will this be complementary or an alternative to the Modern Systems? Are the Traditional System really equipped to satisfy the expectations of the modern man on a sustainable basis? Or will this fizzle out merely as a passing fancy? What can Indian Systems of Medicine do to make themselves acceptable without becoming a mere imitation of the Modern Syatem?

This international conference is going to focus on these important questions.some of the major issues to be addressed are as follows :

• Are we doing enough research to make our drugs acceptable as safe, efficacious and dependable?

• Have we got enough proof to establish that these drugs are free from side effects?

• If the Traditional System should complement the Modern one, is the legal framework to do so in place?

• What are the diseases for which Traditional Medicines have an advantage? In what way can the Public Health benefit from this?

• Do we have a well laid protocol to carry out Clinical trials? How to encourage such studies?