The union government has given in principle approval for a Rs 20 crore project for expansion of the National Research Institute for Panchakarma (NRIP) at Cheruthuruthy in the district.

The institute, set up in 1971, is the only organisation in the public sector for research and development in Indian systems of medicine, especially Panchakarma related to ayurvedic system, its deputy director Dr N Jaya told PTI.

As part of the expansion project, a six-storeyed building on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river would be constructed with most modern infrastructural facilities for clinical research in Panchakarma, she said.

Panchakarma procedure is a comprehensive method of therapy under the Ayurvedic system for internal purification of the body by eliminating the 'doshas' that cause various diseases.

On an average about 500 patients come for consultation at the out-patient department a day and there was 100 per cent of occupancy in the 65-bedded hospital, she said.

The institute also provides intensive training on Panchakarma for Ayurvedic physicians. The three-month long Reorientation Certificate Course for Ayurvedic doctors is held twice a year.

Foreign nationals from the European Union, USA and Nepal have also undergone training in the Panchakarma and Panchasodhana procedures, she added.

Jaya said the NRIP had taken meticulous care in evaluating the safety, efficacy and toxicity of the drugs formulated at the institute. After extensive Research a new "thylam' (Oil preparation) has been developed for easing rheumatic and neurological problems and the process for marketing the products commercially was on.

The NRIP's main objectives are to standardise different Panchakarma Procedures and validate its effect on different Neurological and Musculoskeletal disorders and provide general and specialized treatment for out-patients and in-patients.

The institute comes under the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) of the Department of "AYUSH" (Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) of the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

"Ayush" has granted a Rs 18 lakh project for a detailed study on the adverse impact of endosulfan application on cashew plantation in Kasargode. Those residing near the plantation have reported severe health problems following the indiscriminate application of the pesticide.

The study would be carried out in collaboration with the Indian Systems of Medicines, Kerala, she added.