Lok Sabha Question No. 1472 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-28
Subject: Promotion of Indian Systems of Medicine
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Sunil Baburao Mendhe

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1472 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH JULY, 2023

## PROMOTION OF INDIAN SYSTEM OFMEDICINE

## †1472. SHRI SUNIL BABURAO MENDHE:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has made any efforts to promote Indian systems of medicine during the last three years and the current year;
- b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and
- c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFAYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDASONOWAL)

- a) & b) Yes, Sir as per the Allocation of Business Rules, Ministry of Ayush has the mandate for formulation of policy and policy issues for development and propagation of Traditional & Non- Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. Ministry of Ayush is committed to promote evidence based scientific research and validation in these Ayush systems of medicine. The details of the major efforts/achievements of Ministry of Ayush to promote Indian System of Medicine during the last 3 years are placed as Annexure.
- c) Question does not arise.

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## Major Achievements of Ministry of Ayush in promoting Indian System of Medicine during last three years and Current Year.

## 1. Education

- a) ITRA, Jamnagar: The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) had been conferred the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) by an Act of Parliament in 2020 and is emerging as a world class healthcare institution. It is the first Institute in Ayush Sector having the Institution of National Importance (INI) status.
- b) NIA, Jaipur : An Ayurveda institution with country wide repute, NIA got the status of Deemed to be University (De novo Category) . Inheritor of a 175-year legacy, NIA's contribution to preserving, promoting and advancing authentic Ayurveda in the last few decades has been significant. Presently NIA possess 14 different departments. It runs numerous courses in Ayurveda ranging from certificate to doctoral level. With state-of-the -art lab facilities, NIA has also been a pioneer in research activities.
- c) The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Sh. Narendra Modi inaugurated three State-of-theArt Satellite centers of National Institutes of Ayush on 11 th December, 2022 at Panjim, Goa in the presence of eminent dignitaries.
1. All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa (satellite institute of AIIA, New Delhi)
2. National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Ghaziabad (satellite Institute of NIUM, Bengaluru)
3. National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Delhi (Satellite Institute of NIH, Kolkata)

The goal of establishing these National Institutes is to offer accessible, affordable & quality healthcare and educational facilities in order to expand the growth in the Ayush industry.

- d) National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020 and National Commission for Homeopath (NCH) Act 2020 were enacted on 21 st September, 2020, to replace the existing Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 respectively and respective councils established there under. All the provisions of the NCISM Act, 2020 and NCH Act 2020, have come

into force vide Notification dated 11/06/2021 and 05/07/2021 respectively . The new commissions have the following key provisions: ( in line with the vision encompassed in National Education Policy 2020 )

-  National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)
-  All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET)
-  National Exit test
-  National Teacher's Eligibility Test
-  Joint Sitting of Commissions to enhance the interface between Indian System of Medicine, Homoeopathy, and modern system of medicine.

## 2. Research

- a) Ayush Research Portal has been set up for disseminating Evidence Based Research Data of Ayush Systems at Global Level. Overall, 39989 research studies in clinical, preclinical, drug research, fundamental are available as on date 25 th July 2023.

## b) COVID Initiatives :

The Ayush Research Portal also maintains a ' National Repository on AYUSH COVID-19 Clinical and Other R&D Initiatives' where 143 Clinical research studies, 35 Pre-Clinical studies, 113 Drug research studies and 285 research articles related to fundamental Research have been published as on date 25 th July 2023.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ayush Ministry through collaboration with interdisciplinary international and national organizations of repute, released National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19. Overall, 150 clinical, pre-clinical and epidemiological studies have been undertaken, repurposed drugs like Ayush 64, distributed it nationwide and released guidelines for practitioners & advisories for public at appropriate times.

## c) Intellectual Property Rights

A Committee for Enabling Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) protection to traditional systems of Indian Medicines under the chairmanship of Secretary (DPIIT) has been constituted.

## d) Centre of Excellence

Ministry has undertaken various Collaborative researches following an integrative research model for scientific evidence generation of Ayush medicines at Institutions of national repute like CSIR, CIMR, ILBS etc.

## e) MoU between Ministry of Ayush and ICMR

AMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on 11 th May 2023 to promote and collaborate on integrative health research.

## 3. Technology

- a) Ayush Grid, a robust digital health care system has been created under Ministry of Ayush to provide effective and better health care for citizens of India. Ayush has been on boarded in Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission since its inception.

Ministry of Ayush has undertaken 20+ key Digital initiatives under (1) Health information system (2) Research database/library (3) Academic (4) Information Education and Communication (IEC) categories. The Ayush hospital management information system (AHMiS), National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal (NAMASTE), Ayush Suraksha, e-Aushadhi, e-Charak, Triskandha Kosha, Siddha initiative for documentation of drug Adverse Reactions (SiddAR) App were categorized under health information system. The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), Ayush research portal, DHARA, e-CHLAS (Current Health Literature Awareness Services), Research Management Information system (RMIS), e-Granthasamuccaya and Ayush Sanjivani App were categorized under research database/library. The Ayurveda e-learning and Ayurvedic Inheritance of India were categorized as the academic initiatives. The Siddha-NIS App, Yoga locator, and Naturopathy-NIN App were categorized as Information, education and communication (IEC) initiatives. The digital initiatives from the Ministry of Ayush were a key to reform the traditional systems of medicines and will help in improving the education, quality of research and accessibility of the Ayush healthcare services.

- b) Ayush Tele-consultation services during pandemic times have provided a potent platform for an accessible health care delivery. Also a digital modality of healthcare services delivery, e-Sanjeevani is gradually shaping into a parallel stream for the Indian healthcare delivery system. Ayush has also been on-boarded on e-sanjeevani for Tele-consultation and it was quickly adopted. The outcomes of Ayush Tele-consultation services re-iterated

the fact that it can play a very important role in providing quality health and medical care to Indian citizens, particularly in under-served, remote and tribal areas envisioning the dream of affordable and accessible health care for all.

## 4. Globalization

- a) The Government of India has signed 24 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for country to country cooperation in the field of medicine Nepal, Bangladesh, Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, World Health Organization, Germany, Iran, Sao Tome & Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Colombia, Japan, Bolivia, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, China, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, Brazil and Zimbabwe. 46 MoUs for undertaking collaborative research and development of Traditional Medicine has been signed with foreign Institutes/Universities/Organizations from USA, Germany, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, Austria, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Japan, Indonesia, Reunion Island, Korea and Hungary etc. 15 MoUs have been signed for setting up of Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign Institutes/Universities from Hungary, Latvia, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Russia, West-Indies, Thailand, Indonesia, Slovenia, Armenia, Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia and Mexico.
- b) Under the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Co-operation in Ayush (IC Scheme), Ministry of Ayush supports Ayush drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs, Ayush institutions and Hospitals etc. for international propagation of Ayush by participating in international exhibitions, trade fairs, road shows etc. to display their products and services.

## c) Initiatives promoting Medical Value Travel (MVT)

The Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel has been framed by Govt. of India to enhance Medical Tourism in the country especially in the field of Traditional System of Medicine, since the documentation/ record and focus on traditional system of medicine has been marginal or minimal till now. The initiative would not only promote and propagate Ayurveda, Yoga & other Traditional systems of medicine in India but also expected to increase foot fall of International patients/tourists/visitors in the country which in turn is likely to generate revenue in terms of foreign exchange for the country. The proposed scheme also intends for creating more opportunities for capacity building and skill development in

Ayurveda, Yoga & other Traditional systems of medicine sector creating more Ayush job opportunities and also nationwide authentic data generation in Ayurveda, Yoga & other Traditional systems of medicine sector.

- d) Ayush Export Promotion Council (Ayushexil) has been set up with a mandate to promote the export of Ayush Products/ Medicines as well as Ayush services globally and for harmonization and standardization of regulatory practices.
- e) Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Origination has established World's first and the only Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in India due to the relentless efforts and pursuance of our Hon'ble PM. The center aims to channel the potential of traditional medicine, by integrating it with technological advancements and evidence-based research.
- f) The Global Ayush investment and Innovation Summit, 2022 was a distinctive effort by the Government of India to attract the world's attention to India's ancient wisdom and traditional knowledge, and capitalize on it to pave the way for a sustainable future. During the summit, more than 70 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Countries, prestigious research institutes, the farmer groups and industry.
- g) Observance of International Day of Yoga : Efforts from Hon'ble Prime Minister has resulted in declaring of 21 st June as International Day of Yoga by United Nations General Assembly. Celebration of IDY every year since 2015 is also a milestone in taking Ayush to the global community. The first IDY-2015 witnessed branding of India on global level. Two Guinness Book records were set in IDY-2015, maximum numbers pf people (35,985) as participants in Yoga Demonstration and maximum number of Nationalities (84) participating Yoga Demonstration. A unique and innovative concept, 'The Guardian Ring of Yoga' was envisaged for this year's International Yoga Day, 2022. As mentioned by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Guardian Ring of Yoga celebrates the movement of the Sun, underlining the concept of 'One Sun, One Earth'. IDY-2022 with a unique concept of 'The Guardian Ring' was a collaborative exercise between 79 countries and United Nations Organisations along with Indian Missions abroad to illustrate Yoga's unifying power that surpasses national boundaries. The IDY-2023 also witnessed the presence of participants from 135 counties at UN headquarters for Common Yoga Protocol under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India. The IDY-2023 cherished the 'Ocean Ring of Yoga' where Indian Naval Ships stationed around the world at 09 ports participated in Common Yoga Protocol. The IDY-2023 also witnessed the

concept of 'Yoga for Arctic to Antarctic', 'Yoga at North and South poles', 'Yoga Bharatmala' and 'Yoga Sagarmala'.

- h) Surya Namaskar for Vitality: In year 2022, Ministry of Ayush also achieved a remarkable target of 75 lacs 'Surya Namaskar' performed on Makar Sankranti.

## i) Market Size

There has been a paradigm shift in health seeking trends towards Ayush systems. A large number of people are opting for holistic healthcare. During COVID time also, Ayush has substantially contributed in fight against COVID 19.

Ayush industry has witnessed considerable growth in market size since the upgradation of Department of Ayush to Ministry of Ayush in the year 2014. Market size of Ayush manufacturing industry was Rs. 21,697 crores (USD 2.85 Bn) in 2014-15. Further in the latest study of RIS of 2020, the Ayush manufacturing industry size has been estimated at Rs.1,37,800 crores (USD 18.1 Bn) i.e. 6 times rise in 7 years.

## 5. Manufacturing

- a) Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) of Ministry of Ayush has been initiated for augmenting quality of Ayush drugs during the 15 th Finance Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) by merging the existing Central Sector Schemes of Pharmacovigilance initiative, Central Drug Controller of Ayush and Quality Control of ASU&H drugs {Component of National Ayush Mission (NAM)} and inclusion of certain new elements to facilitate standardization, effective enforcement of rules/regulations, technology up-gradation for manufacturing and analytical testing, certification/accreditation, training and capacity building activities intended towards quality assurance of Ayush drugs. The total financial allocation of this scheme is Rs. 122.00 Crores for five years.
- b) Ministry of Ayush, through the Quality Council of India (QCI), is presently providing Ayush Standard Mark & Ayush Premium Mark as voluntary certification. It is based on a third-party evaluation of existing basic regulatory requirements and WHO-CoPP certification.

## c) Ayurveda Aahar

Many recipes & items, as described under classics of Ayurveda or innovative Ayurveda plantbased products, are gaining momentum in the market exponentially for wellness, or food for

special purposes or sub-therapeutic purposes. These products are also being patented across the globe. Ministry of Ayush has taken an initiative to bring a new category of the food named 'Ayurveda Aahar' under the ambit of FSSR for spreading the goodness of Ayurveda among the masses. Gazette Notification of Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahar) Regulations, 2020 has been notified vide Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, Notification CG-DL-E-07052022-235642 dated 06 May 2022.

## d) Ayush Start-ups and incubation center at All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

To promote entrepreneurship leveraging the academic knowledge, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), has set up an Incubation and Innovation Centre in its campus to nucleate a cluster of new age ventures. AIIA has been recognized as Host Institute (HI) under Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India which would provide opportunities to the innovators in developing and nurturing their ideas.

## 6. Regulatory Reforms

- a) Establishment of Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as a subordinate office by merging Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL) and Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy with a common administrative control in July 2020. It was aimed at optimizing the use of infrastructural facilities, technical manpower and financial resources of the three organizations for enhancing the standardization outcomes of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs towards their effective regulation and quality control. This merger will facilitate focused and cohesive development of standards of Ayush drugs and publication of pharmacopoeias and formularies.

## 7. Public Health

## a) National AYUSH Mission

One of the initiatives is implementing a flagship scheme i.e., Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM), to support the States / UT Governments in developing infrastructure and improving access to the Ayush healthcare.

Under NAM States/UTs are implementing different activities like supply of essential drugs/Medicines to the patients, Public Health Outreach Activity, School Health Programme, Ayush Gram etc. to promote holistic treatment under Ayush so as to improve the general health and immunity. The total budget of NAM was Rs.75.28 Crore in 2014 which has increased nearly 16 times to Rs.1200.00 Crore in 2023-24.

## b) Ayush Health and Wellness Centers (AHWCs)

The main objectives of Ayush Health and Wellness Centers under NAM are to establish a holistic wellness model based on Ayush principles and practices, to empower masses for 'selfcare' to reduce the disease burden, out of pocket expenditure and to provide informed choice to the needy public. Under Ayushman Bharat scheme, Ayush has been assigned for managing 12,500 HWCs to offer AYUSH health services and wellness interventions as part of Comprehensive Primary Healthcare. Ministry of Ayush has provided approval for up gradation of all 12,500 health facilities as AYUSH HWCs in 35 States/UTs.

## c) Co-location of Ayush facilities

Ayush facilities have been co-located with 460 District Hospitals, 3051 Community Health Centers and 7011 Primary Health Centers in the country as on 31.03.2023. Ayush facilities have also been co-located with 281 other than CHC or above block level but below district level and with 3012 other health facilities above Sub centers but below blocks level.

## d) Integration of Ayurveda in health establishments under Ministry of Defence

Ministry has signed a MoU with Ministry of Defence to integrate Ayurveda in the health establishments under Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) and Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) under Ministry of Defence. As per MoU, total 49 Ayurveda units have been started under Ministry of Defence. Out of these 49 units, 37 are in cantonment board hospitals/dispensaries under DGDE and 12 service hospitals under DGAFMS.

## e) Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage has also been provided for Ayush treatments. 27 companies are offering health insurance policies for Ayush treatments.

## f) NABHAccreditation

Ayush Hospital Accreditation Program for Ayush hospitals encompasses relevant & comprehensive quality assurance standards for each system i.e. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy Hospitals and Panchakarma clinics and has separate accreditation standards as per their individual system of medicine and requirements.

These are in natural alignment to the Hospital Standards, with a community focus. It is going successfully and so far 153 Ayush hospitals and 40 Panchkarma clinics have been accredited.

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