"The country could gain significantly by patronising the herbal medical system, but it is not being done just due to lack of government's political will and the anomalies of the corrupt officials," she added.

Dr Ferdousi, who is also the executive director of the Development of Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation Centre, said there is no regulatory body to check the quality of the herbal medicines produced by more than 800 companies in the country.

In her survey report on 'Traditional and industrial use and market scenario of medicinal plant in Bangladesh-2001,' she said more than 90 percent of the raw materials is exported in the form of spices, and a large portion of the herbal plants is smuggled out of the country.

Managing Director of Hamdard Laboratories Bangladesh Md Yousuf Haroon Bhuiyan has said there is an annual demand of herbal medicine worth Tk 100 crore in the country, but this can be raised to Tk 1000 crore if the government takes care of this sector.

Besides, there is huge export potential of herbal medicinal plants and medicines, he added.

When contacted, Director General of Health Abdur Rahman said all the companies engaged in the production of herbal medicines will be brought under the drug administration soon to maintain their quality.

Rahman said herbal medicine doctors will be appointed soon in the remaining district sadar hospitals and then in thana health complexes.

In 2002, the government decided in principle to recruit at least one homeopathic or herbal medicine doctor at every thana health complex, and make one herbal medicinal plant garden there.

Though 464 gardeners were appointed for the gardens, no doctor has so far been appointed in any thana health complexes.

Only 15 homeopathic and 30 herbal medical doctors have been appointed in the district sadar hospitals, said an official of the Government Unani Ayurvedic Degree College and Hospital (GUADCH).

The appointment of 20 doctors was suspended even after written and oral test due to conflict between health ministry and directorate in 2004, sources said.

However, the directorate of health has sent a proposal to the health ministry to appoint three doctors at district sadar hospital and 1 doctor at thana health complex, the sources added.

During a recent visit to the lone GUADCH in the city, this correspondent found the 100-bed hospital in a shabby condition with only five patients in the female ward. The male ward was totally vacant.

"But there is a regular budgetary allocation for medicines and meals of the patients," said a hospital source.

Of the total 44 teaching posts, there are only one assistant professor and 18 lecturers in the college. Principal-cum- Superintendent Dr Ataur Rahman is also a lecturer.

This shortage of teacher seriously hampers the education, said a source adding that lack of fund also deprives the students of internships.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had been funding the college by giving fellowships and training to the doctors. But it has stopped its assistance since 1997 for misuse of funds, an official in the hospital added.