Policy Update
Aditi Kumari
In a world increasingly drawn to holistic and natural healing, India’s timeless medical heritage shines as a beacon of hope. The Ministry of AYUSH, established on November 9, 2014, leads this global wellness revolution. It is dedicated to reviving, nurturing and promoting India’s traditional healthcare systems. The journey began in 1995 with the creation of the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H). In 2003, it was rebranded as the Department of AYUSH. Finally, in 2014, it was elevated to a full-fledged ministry. This transformation marks a significant leap in India’s commitment to its ancient healing traditions.
AYUSH is more than an acronym. It is a celebration of India’s millennia-old healing philosophies:
Ayurveda: Holistic healing that balances the body, mind and spirit.
Yoga & Naturopathy: Physical, mental and natural therapies for overall well-being.
Unani: Herbal remedies based on humoral theory.
Siddha: Tamil medicine focused on the five elements and body humors.
Homeopathy: Remedies that stimulate natural self-healing.
From grassroots education to cutting-edge research and global outreach, the Ministry of AYUSH bridges ancient traditions with modern science, empowering millions to reclaim wellness through India’s gift to humanity. It is not just a healthcare initiative but it is a movement, redefining well-being for a stressed, fragmented world, one herb, one pose and one remedy at a time.
Functioning
- To improve the education and research in AYUSH systems.
- To strengthen research for effective treatments of diseases.
- To promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.
- To standardize AYUSH medicines for quality and safety.
The Ministry of AYUSH aims to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science. It promotes holistic healthcare for sustainable and effective well-being.
Implementation of Ayush Schemes by the Ministry of Ayush:
The Ministry of Ayush is implementing various schemes categorized under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes. These schemes aim to strengthen the AYUSH healthcare system and promote traditional medicine practices. It also focuses on encouraging research, innovation and improving awareness and quality standards.
1. Centrally Sponsored Scheme
National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) provides financial assistance to State/UT Governments based on proposals submitted in their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs). NAM aims to strengthen Ayush healthcare services and promote holistic wellness by establishing Ayush health centers and promoting preventive healthcare.
Objectives:
1. Enhance Ayush Healthcare Services:
- Establish Ayush hospitals, dispensaries, and health centers.
- Upgrade existing healthcare facilities for Ayush services.
2. Promote Preventive Healthcare:
- Encourage Ayush-based preventive, promotive, and curative health interventions.
- Raise awareness about traditional medicine and its benefits.
3. Support Research and Training:
- Promote education and training for Ayush practitioners.
- Enhance research capabilities in Ayush institutions.
4. Integration with National Health Systems:
- Strengthen the integration of Ayush systems into mainstream healthcare.
2. Central Sector Schemes
2.1. Ayurgyan Scheme
This scheme focuses on developing and enhancing the capacity of the Ayush healthcare sector. It aims to improve health practices, encourage professionals to update their knowledge, and promote research in priority areas to validate and enhance the global acceptability of Ayush systems.
Objectives
- Professional orientation and knowledge enhancement for Ayush practitioners, teachers, and paramedics.
- Promotion of IT for disseminating Ayush developments.
- Encouraging research and development to validate Ayush approaches and drugs.
Key components
1. Capacity Building and Continuing Medical Education (CME) in Ayush – It focuses on training healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and skills.
2. Research and Innovation in Ayush – It promotes research to ensure the scientific validation, safety, and quality of AYUSH therapies and products.
3. Ayurveda Biology Integrated Health Research– This part of the scheme integrates Ayurveda with modern sciences like molecular biology and bioinformatics.
The Ayurswasthya Yojana combines public health interventions with the establishment of centers of excellence to strengthen Ayush healthcare services.
Objectives:
1. Enhance Public Health through Ayush:
- Integrate Ayush-based preventive and curative practices into public health initiatives.
- Address critical health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases, through Ayush-based approaches.
2. Promote Ayush in Sports Medicine:
- Develop specialized Ayush interventions for sports injuries and rehabilitation.
- Create awareness about the role of Ayush in improving athletes’ performance and recovery.
3. Establish Centers of Excellence (COE):
- Strengthen Ayush educational institutions by upgrading their facilities to centers of excellence.
- Promote research and competency development in specific fields of Ayush.
2.3 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Scheme
The IEC Scheme aims to raise awareness about the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of Ayush practices and treatments.
Objectives:
1. Promote Awareness about Ayush:
- Educate citizens about the benefits of Ayush therapies through campaigns, seminars, and workshops.
- Highlight the cost-effective nature of Ayush treatments.
2. Encourage Networking and Collaboration:
- Facilitate collaboration between Ayush practitioners, researchers, and the community.
- Promote Ayush products and treatments at national and international fairs.
3. Strengthen Public Outreach:
- Leverage digital platforms and media campaigns to spread information about Ayush practices.
2.4 Promotion of International Cooperation in Ayush
This scheme focuses on globalizing Ayush practices and fostering international collaborations.
Objectives:
1. Enhance Global Visibility:
- Promote Ayush practices, products, and education at the global level.
- Facilitate the recognition of Ayush systems as part of alternative medicine globally.
2. Support International Exchange:
- Encourage knowledge exchange through deputation of Ayush experts and scholars abroad.
- Establish Ayush academic chairs in foreign universities.
3. Promote Trade and Market Development:
- Facilitate global trade of Ayush products.
- Translate Ayush literature into foreign languages to enhance accessibility.
2.5 Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana
This scheme is dedicated to improving the quality and production of Ayush medicines through stricter regulatory standards.
Objectives:
1. Improve Quality of Ayush Drugs:
- Strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure the safety and efficacy of Ayush medicines.
- Support Ayush pharmacies and manufacturers in meeting global quality standards.
2. Encourage Sustainable Manufacturing:
- Promote eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices in the Ayush drug industry.
- Provide financial assistance for infrastructure and quality control.
3. Enhance Research in Drug Development:
- Support innovation in developing new Ayush drugs and therapies.
2.6 Conservation Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants
This scheme is aimed at the sustainable cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants critical to the Ayush industry.
Objectives:
1. Conserve Medicinal Plants:
- Identify and protect endangered species of medicinal plants.
- Develop strategies for sustainable harvesting and conservation.
2. Promote Cultivation:
- Encourage farmers and self-help groups to cultivate medicinal plants.
- Provide training and financial assistance for high-quality planting materials.
3. Strengthen the Supply Chain:
- Improve post-harvest management practices to enhance the supply of medicinal plants to the Ayush industry.
- Build storage and transportation infrastructure to minimize wastage.
2.7 Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel
The Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel by the Government of India promotes medical tourism with a focus on traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
Objective:
- To establish India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality medical and wellness services.
Academic Initiatives to Promote AYUSH Education and Research
The Ministry of AYUSH conducts various academic-level activities and programs to promote AYUSH education, research and capacity building. Key initiatives include:
- Studentship Programs:
- SPARK Program: Organized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) in collaboration with Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRAS), this program supports 100 undergraduate Ayurveda students with a studentship of ₹25,000 per month for two months to encourage research.
- SPUR Program: Conducted in collaboration with Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), it provides similar support for undergraduate Unani students, fostering research aptitude.
- PG-STAR Program: A training program for postgraduate scholars in Ayurveda research, implemented by NCISM in collaboration with CCRAS.
- Capacity Building Program on Educational Planning & Administration: Designed for principals of AYUSH colleges (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa-Rigpa), this program runs from July 10, 2023, to April 26, 2024, in 20 batches to enhance leadership and administrative skills.
- PG-Guide Orientation Program: In collaboration with the Center for Publication Ethics and the Center for Complementary & Integrative Health (CCIH), NCISM has trained 60 postgraduate teaching faculty members from Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani colleges to strengthen research and academic mentorship.
These initiatives aim to build research capacity, enhance the academic environment, and encourage innovation in the AYUSH sector.
Impact
The series of events and initiatives outlined above have made a profound impact on the global recognition and advancement of traditional medicine, especially in India. International Yoga Day, celebrated under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership in Srinagar, emphasized the growing global acknowledgment of yoga as a powerful tool for both individual well-being and societal harmony. The inclusion of Traditional Medicine in the ICD-11 by the WHO provides formal recognition to traditional practices like Ayurveda and yoga, positioning them as integral to global healthcare frameworks.
The launch of health projects worth ₹12,850 crore on Ayurveda Day further strengthens India’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, promoting research, and offering sustainable healthcare solutions grounded in traditional medicine. Moreover, the AROHA-2024 conference in Delhi showcased India’s leadership in advancing Ayurvedic research and fostering global collaborations, reinforcing the potential of holistic Ayurveda to address modern health challenges. Collectively, these milestones foster a stronger, more inclusive approach to healthcare, enhancing both national and global health systems while honoring and integrating traditional wisdom.
Way Forward
To further its impact, the Ministry of AYUSH should focus on expanding its global footprint by securing international recognition and acceptance of India’s AYUSH heritage. This can be achieved through strategic collaborations with global health organizations, rigorous scientific validation of traditional practices and the establishment of AYUSH wellness centers worldwide. Emphasizing research and development, capacity building and public awareness campaigns will ensure that AYUSH continues to evolve as a cornerstone of holistic and preventive healthcare, both in India and across the globe.
Conclusion
The Ministry of AYUSH has revolutionized wellness in India by seamlessly blending traditional healing systems with modern healthcare practices. Its initiatives have significantly advanced holistic health, preventive care, and mental well-being, fostering a balanced and inclusive approach to wellness. By strengthening traditional healthcare systems, promoting innovation, and emphasizing preventive wellness, the Ministry has laid a strong foundation for a healthier India. With a clear roadmap for the future, the Ministry of AYUSH is poised to secure global recognition for India’s rich heritage, ensuring that the timeless wisdom of traditional healing systems continues to benefit humanity worldwide.
References
- About the Ministry of AYUSH. (2025). Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. https://ayushedu.bisag-n.gov.in/AYUSH_EDU/landingpage?logout
- Implementation of Ayush Schemes. (2022). PIB. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1845012
- National AYUSH Mission. (2025). Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. https://namayush.gov.in/content/introduction
- Central Sector Schemes. (2022). AYUSH NGO Portal. https://ngo.ayush.gov.in/schemes
- Academic Initiatives to Promote AYUSH. (2024). Digital Sansad. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3136_kCirMI.pdf?source=pqals
- Impacts of AYUSH. (2024). AYUSH. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2087319
About the Author: Aditi Kumari is a research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), pursuing Post graduation in Sociology.
Acknowledgement: The author extends sincere gratitude to Dr Arjun Kumar and Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and to Mallika Bhojak and Qazi Furooz for their informative inputs.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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