The Role of AYUSH in Shaping National Healthcare Policy

Written by Anshika Parida

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Historical Context and Institutional Framework
  • Origins of AYUSH
  • Establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH
• Policy Integration and National Health Initiatives
  • 1. National Health Policy, 2017
  • 2. National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
  • 3. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
• Contributions of AYUSH to National Healthcare Goals
  • 1. Preventive and Promotive Healthcare
  • 2. Affordable and Accessible Care
  • 3. Human Resource Development
  • 4. Research and Development
• Challenges in Integration
  • 1. Scientific Validation and Standardization
  • 2. Regulatory Oversight
  • 3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • 4. Public Perception and Awareness
• Way Forward: Strengthening AYUSH in National Policy
  • 1. Evidence-Based Practice
  • 2. Integrated Medical Education
  • 3. Global Positioning
  • 4. Digital Health Platforms
• Conclusion

Introduction

India’s healthcare system is unique in its deep-rooted tradition of integrating ancient healing practices with modern medicine. At the heart of this integration lies AYUSH, an acronym representing Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—systems of medicine that have been practiced in India for centuries. Over the past few decades, the Government of India has increasingly recognized the value of AYUSH in public health and has taken significant steps to incorporate it into national healthcare policy.

The AYUSH sector is not merely a cultural treasure; it represents a holistic, preventive, and often cost-effective approach to health and wellness. As India continues to work toward universal healthcare coverage and sustainable development, AYUSH is gaining prominence in shaping healthcare policy and practice.

Historical Context and Institutional Framework

Origins of AYUSH

• Ayurveda, dating back over 3,000 years, focuses on balancing bodily systems through diet, herbal treatments, and yogic breathing.
• Yoga & Naturopathy emphasize lifestyle modification and the body’s ability to heal itself.
• Unani medicine has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy and was further developed in India during the medieval period.
• Siddha is one of the oldest systems, primarily practiced in Tamil Nadu.
• Homeopathy, though of Western origin, has been widely adopted and integrated into Indian healthcare.

Establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH

In 2014, the Ministry of AYUSH was established to promote these traditional systems of medicine through education, research, and integration with mainstream healthcare. This marked a pivotal shift from fragmented attention to a centralized, policy-driven approach to traditional medicine.

Policy Integration and National Health Initiatives

1. National Health Policy, 2017

The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 explicitly acknowledges AYUSH as an important component of India’s pluralistic healthcare delivery system. Key highlights include:

• Integration of AYUSH services at primary healthcare levels, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Encouragement of cross-referrals between AYUSH and allopathy for better patient outcomes.
• Emphasis on mainstreaming AYUSH through co-location of facilities and interdisciplinary research.

2. National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

Launched in 2014, NAM aims to:

• Strengthen AYUSH institutions.
• Ensure the availability of AYUSH drugs and services.
• Integrate AYUSH into public health through the co-location of AYUSH services in primary and community health centers.

3. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)

The Ministry of AYUSH collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under this program by providing yoga-based lifestyle interventions and promoting Ayurveda-based preventive care to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Contributions of AYUSH to National Healthcare Goals

1. Preventive and Promotive Healthcare

AYUSH emphasizes prevention and wellness, making it ideal for managing lifestyle disorders and enhancing immunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of AYUSH issued guidelines promoting the use of Ayurvedic immunity boosters and yoga for mental well-being.

2. Affordable and Accessible Care

AYUSH systems use natural remedies and lifestyle changes, which are cost-effective and well-suited for low-income populations. Their integration into Primary Health Centres (PHCs) helps bridge healthcare gaps in remote and rural areas.

3. Human Resource Development

The AYUSH sector supports a vast network of over 800 AYUSH colleges and more than 600,000 registered practitioners. These professionals expand the country’s healthcare workforce and contribute to its goal of universal health coverage.

4. Research and Development

Institutions such as:

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)

…are actively engaged in clinical trials, drug standardization, and pharmacological studies to build a scientific base for AYUSH practices.

Challenges in Integration

Despite the strides made, the integration of AYUSH into mainstream healthcare faces several challenges:

1. Scientific Validation and Standardization

There is a pressing need for rigorous clinical trials and evidence-based validation of AYUSH treatments to gain wider acceptance within the scientific community.

2. Regulatory Oversight

Ensuring quality control in AYUSH medicines, regulation of practitioners, and ethical practices remains a challenge due to a fragmented regulatory framework.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Lack of trust and communication between AYUSH and allopathic practitioners hinders integrated patient care. Structured interdisciplinary training and collaborative platforms are required.

4. Public Perception and Awareness

Despite government promotion, some AYUSH systems are still seen as secondary or supplementary. Public education campaigns are needed to build awareness about their preventive and curative potential.

Way Forward: Strengthening AYUSH in National Policy

To fully harness the potential of AYUSH, a multi-dimensional strategy is essential:

1. Evidence-Based Practice

Encourage scientific validation of traditional knowledge through dedicated research funding, collaboration with modern medical institutes, and international partnerships.

2. Integrated Medical Education

Introduce AYUSH modules in medical colleges and vice versa to foster mutual understanding and collaborative practice.

3. Global Positioning

India should leverage AYUSH as a soft power tool by promoting AYUSH therapies and education globally, especially in wellness tourism and preventive healthcare.

4. Digital Health Platforms

Develop AYUSH telemedicine platforms and e-pharmacies to extend access to remote areas.

Conclusion

AYUSH is more than just a collection of traditional practices; it is a powerful complement to modern healthcare that emphasizes prevention, holistic healing, and low-cost solutions. With growing interest in wellness and sustainable health practices, AYUSH is well-positioned to play a vital role in India’s journey toward universal health coverage and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For AYUSH to realize its full potential, continued efforts in policy support, scientific research, capacity building, and public engagement are essential. As India builds a resilient and inclusive healthcare system, AYUSH will remain a cornerstone in promoting health, harmony, and holistic well-being.

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