Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
17-Mar-2023: Measures taken to protect the ancient and traditional knowledge of the country
A total of 448764 ISM formulations including 127533 in Ayurveda, 240850 in Unani, 70158 in Siddha, and 5445 in Sowa Rigpa, and 4778 in Yoga techniques have been transcribed so far into the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database. On the basis of TKDL evidences, so far, 283 patent applications have been either refused, amended or withdrawn/abandoned, thus protecting Indian traditional knowledge.
As per the national Biological Diversity (BD) Act, 2002, approval of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is necessary before seeking any IPR based on biological material and associated knowledge obtained from India. Under the BD Act, 2002 and Rules thereunder, the NBA has also been pursuing efforts on Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR). The register is a tool for formal recording and maintenance of comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use. The CSIR-TKDL Unit has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with NBA for evaluating and identifying modalities for possible inclusion of information from the PBR into the TKDL database.
Under Section 3p of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, invention which in effect, is traditional knowledge or which is an aggregation or duplication of known properties of a traditionally known component or components, is non-patentable. In addition, the Patents Act, 1970 provides for disclosing the source and geographical origin of the biological material in the specification, when used in an invention and conveys the information to NBA, thereby facilitating compliance.
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a prior art database of Indian traditional knowledge established in 2001, jointly by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (Dept. of ISM&H, now Ministry of AYUSH). The TKDL was established to prevent misappropriation of Indian traditional knowledge (TK) by way of intellectual property rights. The TKDL currently contains information from ancient texts related to ISM such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga. The information from ancient texts of medicine and health existing in local languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Tamil, Bhoti etc., have been transcribed into five international languages, namely English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese in the TKDL database. The TKDL thus serves as a robust prior art database of Indian TK information therewith offering the information in languages and format understandable by patent examiners at Patent Offices worldwide. The TKDL thus prevents erroneous grant of patents by patent offices.
The access to this database is given to patent offices world-wide that have signed Non-disclosure Access Agreements with the CSIR, for search of TKDL evidences in the context of patent applications filed with them. The TKDL prior art database is currently available to 16 patent offices - including the Indian Patent Office (Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks), European Patent Office, US Patent Office, Japanese Patent Office, German Patent Office, Canadian Patent Office, Chile Patent Office, Australian Patent Office, UK Patent Office, Malaysian Patent Office, Russian Patent Office, Peru Patent Office, Spanish Patent & Trademark Office, Danish Patent and Trademark Office, National Industrial Property Institute (INPI, France) and Eurasian Patent Organization.
In addition to the use of TKDL database by patent offices, the CSIR-TKDL Unit also files third party observations/pre-grant oppositions on patent applications that have relevance to Indian traditional knowledge. This defensive protection through TKDL has been effective in safeguarding Indian traditional knowledge from misappropriation, and is considered a global benchmark.
Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD)
17-Mar-2023: Vaccinations against Foot & Mouth Disease completed in around 24 crore cattle and buffaloes across the country
During the second round of the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive, around 24 crore cattle and buffaloes in the country have now been covered out of a targeted population of 25.8 Crore Cattle (as per data furnished by the states); reaching a near universal coverage of over 95% which is well beyond the herd immunity level. Reaching this milestone has been made possible due to the relentless efforts of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, State/ UT Governments/ administration, and most importantly the support of the livestock owners.
The program is 100% funded by Government of India which is centrally procuring vaccines against FMD and supplying to States and is also providing for vaccination charges, accessories, awareness creation, cold chain infrastructure etc. to enable the States/ UTs to undertake vaccination in campaign mode. The livestock owners are sensitized and made aware through various information, education and communication measures to get their animals vaccinated and requested to contact the nearest livestock health workers/ veterinarians to avail the facility. DAHD is also collaborating with Ministry of Rural Development to train more animal health workers/paravets.
It is expected that with such continued efforts, the goal of controlling and eventually eradicating Foot & Mouth Disease from the country will be achieved which will also help in increasing the income of livestock farmers/ keepers and in boosting India’s trade in livestock products.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a major disease of livestock especially in cattle and buffaloes in India and causes huge economic loss to livestock owners due to a reduction in milk yield. To address the problem, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) in 2019 which is now a part of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme. The program aims to control Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) through vaccination leading to its eventual eradication by 2030. This will result in increased domestic production and ultimately in increased exports of livestock products. Currently under this program vaccination is carried out in all cattle and buffaloes.
Organ and tissue transplants in India
India achieves a milestone of more than 15 thousand transplants in a year for the first time in 2022
It was stated by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan during the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation Scientific Dialogue 2023 on February 19.
This achievement indicates an annual increase of 27% in transplant numbers, and reflects the positive outlook of the country in organ and tissue transplants. The Health Secretary attributed the fast resurgence in transplant activities post-COVID to programmatic restructuring, communication strategy, and professional skilling as the top priority areas.
Organ and tissue transplants have emerged as a ray of hope for patients suffering from organ failure or tissue damage. These transplants are life-saving procedures that involve replacing a diseased, damaged or missing organ or tissue with a healthy one from a donor.
In recent times, the advances in medical technology and the increased availability of organ donors have led to an increase in the number of successful organ and tissue transplants. However, there is still a significant shortage of donor organs, which leads to a long waiting time for patients who need them.
Organ transplants:
Organ transplants refer to the surgical procedure of replacing a diseased or damaged organ with a healthy one from a deceased or living donor. The most commonly transplanted organs include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and pancreas.
Major Organ Transplants:
Organ |
Transplant Procedure |
Kidney |
Kidney transplants are the most common type of organ transplant, as the kidney is the most frequently donated organ. The procedure involves removing a kidney from a living or deceased donor and transplanting it into the recipient. The success rate of kidney transplants is high, and the recovery time is relatively short. |
Liver |
Liver transplant is a complex procedure that involves the removal of a diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased or living donor. This procedure is recommended for patients suffering from severe liver damage due to cirrhosis, cancer, or other diseases. |
Heart |
Heart transplant is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure. It involves the removal of a diseased heart and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased donor. The success rate of heart transplants has improved significantly in recent years due to advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs. |
Lung |
Lung transplant is recommended for patients with end-stage lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis. The procedure involves removing the damaged lung and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased donor. |
Tissue Transplants:
Tissue transplants refer to the surgical procedure of transplanting healthy tissues from a donor to a recipient. The most commonly transplanted tissues include cornea, bone, skin, and heart valves.
Major Tissue Transplants:
Organ |
Transplant Procedure |
Cornea |
Cornea transplant is a common procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy one from a deceased donor. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the recovery time is relatively short. |
Bone |
Bone transplant is recommended for patients with bone injuries, fractures, or diseases such as osteoporosis. The procedure involves transplanting healthy bone tissue from a deceased donor to the recipient. |
Skin |
Skin transplant is recommended for patients with severe burns, skin injuries, or diseases such as skin cancer. The procedure involves transplanting healthy skin tissue from a deceased donor to the recipient. |
Heart Valve |
Heart valve transplant is recommended for patients with heart valve diseases such as stenosis or regurgitation. The procedure involves replacing the damaged heart valve with a healthy one from a deceased donor. |
The success rate of transplant procedures have improved significantly in recent years, but there is still a significant shortage of donor organs. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage people to become organ donors. With increased awareness and availability of donor organs, we can save many lives and make a significant impact in the field of medical science.