PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1079
( b ) the incidence of amoebic dysentery in India;
( c ) the quantity and value of Emetine and Ipecac root imported annually into India and from which countries;
( d ) whether it is a fact that some work has been done in the direction of Ipecac cultivation in West Bengal by the Cinchona Directorate, if so, with what result; and
( e ) whether it is proposed to extend the existing West Bengal Ipecac plantations, and if so, what steps are contemplated ?
The Minister of Law (Dr. Ambedkar) : ( a ) It is understood that difficulties attending its cultivation in India have so far deterred its being taken up on a commercial scale. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is carrying on experimental cultivation of ipecacuanha and has included it in the coordinated scheme formulated by the Council for the cultivation of medicinal plants in Coimbatore, Panchagani and Darjeeling;
( b ) The incidence of emoebic dysentry is considered to be high particularly in the Eastern and Southern parts of India, namely, Madras and West Bengal. As the disease is not notifiable, no statistics are however maintained;
( c ) Statistics regarding the imports of Emetine Hydrocholoride and Ipecac root are not available;
( d ) and ( e ). The information has been called for from the Government of West Bengal and will be laid on the Table of the House in due course;
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*AYURVEDIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
1094. Dr. V. Subramaniam : ( a ) Will the Minister of Health be pleased to state whether the scheme for the establishment of an Ayurvedic Research Institute as per the recommendations of the Committee on indigenous systems of medicine (Pandit Committee) has been placed before the Standing Committee of Parliament for the Ministry of Health and the Standing Finance Committee ?
( b ) If so, what are their recommendations and has the scheme since been sanctioned ?
*P. D., Vol. 9, Part I, 17th September 1951, p. 1406.