Dr Jitendra Singh Ji, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, on Friday highlighted the historical significance of CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu and its contributions to society and pioneering research conducted over seven decades. He praised the institute’s efforts in utilizing biodiversity for societal good and industrial development, particularly through mission programs like CSIR Phyto-pharma Mission, CSIR Aroma Mission, and CSIR Floriculture Mission.Dr Singh inaugurated the “International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytopharmaceuticals” and the “11th International Congress of the Society of Ethnopharmacology (SFEC2024)” at CSIR IIIM Jammu. The conference, organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in collaboration with the Society of Ethnopharmacology (SFE), Kolkata, will run from February 16 to 18, 2024, under the theme “Ethnopharmacology in Development of Phytopharmaceutical Drugs.”

The inaugural session, presided over by Dr Jitendra Singh, featured Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General CSIR, and Secretary DSIR, and Padma Shri Prof Vinod K. Singh, IIT Kanpur, as Guests of Honour. Also present were Dr Pulok K. Mukherjee, Director IBSD and Chairman, Scientific Services, SFEC-2024, Dr DS Reddy, Director CSIR-IICT, Dr CK Katiyar, CEO Emami Healthcare Ltd., Dr RN Acharya, Director General CCRAS, Dr Subhra Chakraborty, Director NIPGR, Dr Lal Hingorani, Managing Director, Pharmanza Herbal Pvt Ltd., Dr UV Babu, Director R&D Himalaya Wellness Company, and Dr Marco Leonti, Secretary, International Society of Ethnopharmacology, among other eminent scientific dignitaries.

Dr N Kalaiselvi emphasized the need for an integrated approach to healthcare and drug formulations, emphasizing the importance of utilizing natural sources for drug development.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, welcomed attendees and expressed the institute’s commitment to scientific study and validation of phytopharmaceuticals. The conference, themed “Ethnopharmacology for Development of Phytopharmaceutical Drugs” aims to push boundaries in traditional healthcare and drug development. It will feature more than 20 scientific sessions, including discussions on various aspects of phytopharmaceuticals and traditional medicine.Over 100 distinguished speakers from nearly 20 countries will deliver talks, covering topics such as evidence-based validation of traditional medicine, natural product drug discovery, regulatory aspects of phytopharmaceutical drugs, and opportunities and challenges in cannabis research.

The conference, under the leadership of Dr Zabeer Ahmed, with assistance from Dr Prasson K. Gupta and Dr Naveed Qazi as organizing secretaries, aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of plant-based medicines for the benefit of society.