Challenges of Law Related to Indigenous Medical Research for Drug Innovation in Sri Lanka in the Context of the New Normal: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

With the prevailing condition of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) activated a blueprint for research and development for accelerating diagnostic, improving coordination between scientists and global health professionals, research and development process, and therapeutics for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (Covid-19). The humans who have been infected and are suffering from chronic illnesses and elders are at a high risk of fatality. Therefore, human immunity power boosting is the best solution to fight Covid-19. With this atmosphere, the world’s attention was drawn to indigenous medicine to innovate a cure. In Sri Lanka, a controversial situation has arisen on the traditional treatment for enhancing immunity, questioning uniformity, and transparency. Considering the medicine production procedure, there should be adapted standards unless neither the doctors will recommend, nor people will trust and consume the medicine. The objective of this study is to find the reasons for the controversial issues that occurred when the traditional cures were introduced in Sri Lanka. This study explored the relevant laws and their defects and how to adapt all indigenous medical practices to one formula regarding drug innovation of indigenous medicine and the authorities who are responsible for drug innovation of indigenous medicine. The researcher followed a systematic literature review method to analyze the provisions of Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 (hereinafter referred to as “Act”) and regulations as well as other relevant documents.