Advancement of AYUSH in India and Globally
Increased Budget Allocation
The AYUSH Ministry's budget has nearly doubled over five years, now reaching ₹4,408 crore. This supports the establishment of three new All-India Institutes of Ayurveda to set high standards akin to AIIMS in modern medicine. These institutes will focus on treatment, education, and advanced research.
National AYUSH Mission
- Increased funding by 66% to modernize dispensaries.
- Establishment of AYUSH clinics in government hospitals.
- Upgrading of drug-testing laboratories.
These measures aim to integrate traditional medicine into the mainstream health ecosystem.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The trade agreement allows Indian AYUSH practitioners to operate in EU countries using Indian qualifications. Indian companies can open Ayurvedic clinics across Europe, and Indian safety certifications might be accepted in Europe, reducing the need for additional testing.
Challenges and Opportunities
AYUSH's transition to the global market will require meeting international safety and quality standards, demanding scientific accountability and rigorous evidence. Independent clinical trials and peer-reviewed publications are necessary to gain global credibility.
Scientific Scrutiny and Cultural Knowledge
Scientific evaluation does not diminish traditional systems. TCAM systems like Ayurveda offer alternative models of health and illness, emphasizing systemic logics over anatomical localization.
Dialogue Between Systems
TCAM and biomedicine can coexist, functioning as counterpoints that broaden the understanding of health. The goal is to foster dialogue, enhancing scientific inquiry across diverse care models. Public investment should support this intellectual openness.
The approach to AYUSH's global expansion is not just about economic growth but involves a structural repositioning within India's health system and the global market.
