2018 sees mainstreaming of AYUSH

The Ministry of AYUSH in 2018 took effective measures to bring alternative system of medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Homeopathy, to the mainstream of public health system in India

December 19, 2018

India is home to Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha and other traditional disciplines of healthcare and wellness that have witnessed a steady rise in interest around the world

India is the world’s second largest exporter of herbal medicines; Amid a rise of lifestyle diseases, the world is looking towards traditional medicine for solution

Government of India has sought to impose strict regulatory and quality standards in the AYUSH sector to alleviate concerns related to alternative medicines

India’s wellness market, valued at over US$10 billion, is expected to grow to US$21 billion by 2020; Export from the sector was worth US$1.1 billion in 2016-17

The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in 2018 took effective measures to bring alternative system of medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Homeopathy, to the mainstream of public health system in India. During the year, the usage of information technology in AYUSH system was given prominence, while new hospital and research centers were opened and new deals were signed with foreign countries to expand the market of AYUSH products. AYUSH’s successes in managing lifestyle diseases and chronic illnesses has attracted foreign investment into dedicated centres.

AYUSH has witnessed strong traction amid efforts to boost traditional medicines’ global outreach. Hence, India’s wellness market, valued at over US$10 billion, is expected to grow to US$21 billion by 2020. The ministry continued to publicise the alternate system of medicine with aim of reducing the gap between demand and supply of AYUSH services in the country. Export from the sector was worth US$1.1 billion in 2016-17. To drive export growth, AYUSH Premium Mark, a quality certification scheme, is ensuring the efficacy of Indian herbal products. India is the world’s second largest exporter of alternative medicines.

Following are the important activities of Ministry of AYUSH in 2018:

  • In order to improve the quality of AYUSH colleges, the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill 2018 was approved on August 13, 2018
  • The foundation stone of National Institute of Homoeopathy at Narela, Delhi, was laid on October 16, 2018. Total project Cost is US$36.8 million
  • An All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) Phase-II Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, was also started in 2018 with total Project Cost of nearly US$30 million
  • A new course on IT education was launched for AYUSH professionals in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
  • Ministry is developing a cloud based AYUSH GRID under the Digital India mission. That will link all AYUSH teaching Institutes, Hospitals and industry
  • Agreement on AYUSH with institutes and government agencies in Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Austria as well as Harvard Medical School, US

Recent Articles

India’s per capita income set to surge by US$2,000 in five years: FM Sitharaman

October 4, 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed optimism about India’s …

Read More

EAM Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan President to strengthen ties

October 4, 2024

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President …

Read More

Apple to boost India presence with new stores, locally made iPhones

October 4, 2024

Apple is set to strengthen its presence in India by …

Read More