Srinagar: The Ministry of Ayush has concluded 2023 on a high note, achieving significant milestones both nationally and internationally. The year witnessed the global dissemination and acceptance of Indian traditional medicine culture, marking a momentous step forward for Ayush.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Ayush successfully implemented its vision and objectives, reinforcing its commitment to growth. The inaugural “Chintan Shivir” in February set the stage for Ayush’s future, emphasizing digital health, strategy, challenges, and collaboration.
India’s G20 presidency provided a unique platform for Ayush to showcase the efficacy of traditional medicine. The G-20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration acknowledged the potential role of evidence-based Traditional and Complementary Medicine in health, recognizing international efforts in this direction.
The first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Conference generated trade interest of ₹590 crores, highlighting Ayush’s growing significance in international markets. B2B meetings facilitated discussions between exhibitors and buyers from 19 countries, fostering trade in traditional medicine.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) created a dedicated vertical for Ayush, publishing 7 Indian standards with 53 more in development. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released the first ISO standard technical report on Ayurveda informatics, a testament to Ayush’s global impact.
Under the Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Ayush made groundbreaking strides in research, correlating Ayurveda Prakriti with Genome sequencing and exploring advanced biology in metabolomics and proteomics.
The 9th International Day of Yoga set two world records, including a Guinness record for the largest participation at the UN Headquarters. The unique concept of the Ocean Ring of Yoga garnered massive participation, reaching individuals from the Arctic to Antarctic.
The introduction of Ayush Visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine aims to boost medical value travel. An MoU between the Ministry of Ayush and India Tourism Development Corporation further promotes Medical Value Travel in the Ayush sector.
The Prime Minister’s mention of ‘Ayush’ in “Mann Ki Baat” contributed significantly to the sector’s growth. Collaborative research initiatives with Basic Science Ministries and international organizations showcased Ayush’s integrative approach.
An MoU between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) focuses on Integrative Health Research, exploring the potential for joint clinical trials and research on Integrative Medicine.
The National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave in May 2023 marked the approval for the upgradation of 12,500 health facilities into Ayush Health and Wellness Centres. These initiatives, coupled with the AyurTech center at IIT Jodhpur, demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to integrating Ayush into mainstream healthcare.
The Ministry’s efforts to accelerate socio-economic development in the North-east region include the construction of Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, pharmacies, and hospitals. The first B2B conference under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on traditional medicine in Guwahati fostered international collaborations.
The Ministry’s collaboration with WHO aims to elevate the standards of traditional and complementary medicines globally. Leading the Talking Group for AI for traditional medicine at the WHO/ITU-Focus Group on AI in Health positions India as a leader in the field.
In summary, 2023 stands out as a transformative year for the Ministry of Ayush, reflecting its global influence, commitment to traditional medicine, and efforts to enhance healthcare on both national and international scales.
