Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) are a few of the numerous systems of traditional medicine in India. They have existed for thousands of years but their full potential is yet to be realised. Our government, in an attempt to integrate these traditional systems of medicine into the public health system, hopes to launch a national policy for AYUSH by October this year.
At an award function for Ayurvedic practitioners in Mumbai, the Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Naik said, “The Centre is drafting a national policy for AYUSH. The final draft policy is likely to be circulated among ministries and states by June before it makes its way to the Cabinet. The AYUSH ministry is targeting to launch the final policy latest by October.”
The policy proposes to include Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy into the universal health insurance scheme. “It will also focus on the need for creation of infrastructure, research facilities and regulation to streamline AYUSH.” Naik said.
The minister further added that there were plans to globally promote India as a preferred destination for AYUSH.
“We will also set specific targets to be achieved within deadlines, bring regulation for education and research, as well as set standards for AYUSH medicines and treatment.” Naik said. This is to discover the full potential of traditional systems of medicine and how to harness it to improve primary and preventive health care.
So, India is all set to make traditional medicine international in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United States, through research and development. “The UN agency has evinced keen interest in AYUSH medicines and is slated to sign an agreement to this effect in Geneva soon.“ Naik added.