She also asked manufacturers of Ayurveda medicine to adhere to basic principles of the traditional form of medicine as written in ancient manuscripts.
"Ayurveda is vital part of our country's culture. We should work towards patenting more ayurvedic medicines because many other countries have patented these medicines in their names. Ayurveda is becoming popular across the world and we should take a lead in patenting these," she said.
The President was speaking after inaugurating Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan built by the Delhi Government in Najafgarh in south-west Delhi in the presence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and other ministers.
Patil also said the government needs to certify and standardise traditional forms of herbs and medicines and expressed concern over losing some of these traditional plants which have medicinal values.
"According to world health institutions, traditional medicines are considered as valuable resources to maintain health. We have to think what can we do to develop and make Ayurveda popular among the people of the world," she said.
Patil also said people should have respect for traditional medicine and stressed the need for spreading awareness on the medicinal values and uses of Ayurveda among the people.
The President was all praise for Dikshit for giving such a "wonderful institute" to Delhi. Referring to Dikshit's speech in which she said the institute should be developed like AIIMS, the President congratulated her and remarked "Dikshit will achieve what she says." (More)