(GIST OF YOJANA) AYUSH

(June-2023)

AYUSH

Introduction

The Ayush system, particularly Ayurveda is often referred to as the ‘Science of Life’. It is deeply rooted in the ancient Indian knowledge system.
The Ministry of Ayush (MoA) is actively engaged in promoting the Ayush systems of healthcare.
This has led to increased funding of research institutes and collaborations between Ayush experts and modern scientific researchers.
The aim of the Ministry of Ayush is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific evidence. This will ensure the integration of Ayush into evidence-based healthcare practices.

R&D initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush:

MoA has established five Research Councils as Autonomous Institute for research in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, Yoga,and Naturopathy.
The research activities include medicinal plant research, Drug standardization Pharmacological research, Clinical research,etc.
MoA collaborates with various research institutes, universities, and international organizations like CSIR, CIMR, etc.
The Ayush mark was also launched to recognize traditional medicine products to give authenticity to quality Ayush products of the country.
The Ministry is also working in close coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards to develop standards for Medical Value Travel.
So far 17 Indian standards have been formulated for Herbal materials, Panchkarma equipment, and yoga accessories.
The Ayush research portal has been established for disseminating Evidence-based Research Data of Ayush Systems at the global level.
The Ministry also organizes training programmes, workshops, and conferences for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders.
The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 has strongly advocated mainstreaming the potential of Ayush within a pluralistic system of Integrative healthcare.
The WHO-Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), the first and the only global Centre for traditional medicine is being established in Jamnagar, India.
It aims to strengthen the scientific foundation of traditional medicine.
It will provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine and help position Ayush system across the globe.
One of its major responsibilities is to ensure the quality, safety, efficacy, accessibility, and rational use of traditional medicines.
It will involve developing norms, standards,and guidelines in various technical areas, as well as tools and methodologies for data collection, analytics, and impact assessment.

Pragmatic Model of Research in Ayush:

Ayush approaches the grey areas of research and tackles healthcare challenges through:

Exploring Traditional Challenges: The research aims to explore and validate traditional knowledge and tap wisdom accumulated over centuries to find innovative approaches to health and well-being.
Integration of Modern Scientific Methods: An Interdisciplinary Ayush Research and Development Task Force in collaboration with national organizations of repute to formulate and develop strategies for the management of Covid.
Addressing Unmet Healthcare needs: It addresses unmet healthcare needs, especially in areas where modern medicines have limitations. For example, Brahmi Ghrita and Jyotishmati Taila in the management of Cognitive Deficit.
Promoting Lifestyle Modification: Ayush promotes a healthy lifestyle including Yoga, meditation, dietary guidelines, and natural remedies.
Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine: Ayush recognizes that health is influenced by multiple factors like physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects. It thus fosters a comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare.

Ayush and SDGs

Ayush diligently works towards Good health and Well-being (SDG 3).
It also works towards Reduced inequalities (SDG 10) through National Ayush Mission (NAM) and integrated health programmes.
Moreover, with herbal medicines Ayush supports SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communuties’.
It also promotes Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17) as it promotes partnership and exchange of Knowledge and expertise.