12-Dec-2022: Inclusion of Yoga in the treatment of breast cancer patients is highly beneficial: Study by Tata Cancer Hospital

As per a study by the Tata Memorial Hospital, inclusion of Yoga in the treatment of breast cancer patients is highly beneficial. The inclusion of Yoga resulted in a 15% relative improvement in disease free survival (DFS) and 14% in overall survival (OS).

The yoga intervention was carefully designed with inputs from yoga consultants, clinicians as well as physiotherapists to suit the needs of breast cancer patients and survivors, keeping in focus, the different phases of their treatment and recovery. The yoga protocol included gentle and restorative yoga postures(asana) with regular periods of relaxation and pranayama. It was implemented through classes by qualified and experienced yoga instructors. Additionally, handouts and CD’s of the protocol were provided for maintaining compliance.

The largest clinical trial is an important milestone in use of YOGA in breast cancer since this is the first example of a very Indian traditional remedy being tested in a rigorous western design of randomized study with robust sample size. Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women not only in India but globally. It raises huge amount of anxiety in women which is twofold, the first fear of cancer with threat to life and the second worry due to side effects of treatment and coping with it. It is heartening to see that YOGA practiced with rigour and perseverance has proved its superiority in maintaining excellent quality of life and has also numerically reduced the risk of recurrence and death by 15%.

Dr Nita Nair, presented in a SPOTLIGHT paper, the results of a landmark breast cancer study testing effect of YOGA, as a SPOTLIGHT presentation at the ongoing San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), one of the most prestigious breast cancer conferences in the world held annually in USA. Out of thousands of research papers submitted to the conference few are chosen for spotlight discussion and our study deserved this due to the novelty of intervention and the first very Indian intervention impacting outcomes in breast cancer.

22-Jul-2022: Research and Development for traditional system of medicines

The Government of India has signed 25 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. 37 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.

The constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research namely Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur has signed an MoU with National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan, to collaborate in the areas of mutual interest which included medicinal plants, bioactive molecules, herbal formulations etc.

CSIR and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have signed an MoU to identify the opportunities for scientific and technological research between researchers located within and outside of India, including collaborations with foundation-funded entities in the areas including but not limited to traditional medicine (AYUSH)-guided by specific applications to disease/ health priorities.

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.

Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) of Ministry of Ayush has been initiated for augmenting quality of Ayush drugs during the 15th 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 Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) of Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India is available to the Industry for availing benefits under Manufacturing and Service Sector including Ayush. Indian medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) which is a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Ayush (Government of India) is manufacturing of Ayurveda & Unani Medicines in India.

India is a biodiversity rich country and as per the Botanical Survey of India estimation, more than 8,000 species of medicinal plants are found in the country including state of Maharashtra.

20-Apr-2022: PM inaugurates Global AYUSH Investment & Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Global AYUSH Investment & Innovation Summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. the Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) were present on the occasion. Union Ministers Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri Munjapara Mahendrabhai and Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel were among those present. The three-day summit will witness 5 Plenary sessions, 8 roundtables, 6 workshops, and 2 symposiums, with the presence of around 90 eminent speakers and 100 exhibitors. The Summit will help uncover investment potential, and give a fillip to innovation, research & development, start-up ecosystem, and the wellness industry. It will help bring together industry leaders, academicians and scholars together and act as a platform for future collaborations.

Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed his happiness to be present in the state and country of Mahatma Gandhi which he termed as ‘pride of the world’. He said that India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is the driving force behind the launch of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar yesterday. He said that the establishment of the Centre is historic and will prove to be a game changer. He informed that the Centre is designed to be an engine of innovation to drive the agenda of evidence, data and sustainability and optimization of use of traditional medicine. The DG commended the Prime Minister and Indian government for harnessing the power of innovation in public health. He appreciated use of data and integrated information sharing systems in Indian hospitals. He praised the AYUSH ministry for fostering the spirit of collection of data for research in traditional medicine. Noting the rising global demand and investment in the Ayush products the DG said that the whole world is coming to India and India is going to the whole world. He emphasized long term investment in innovation ecosystem in health in general and traditional medicines in particular; developing traditional medicines by innovators, industry and government in environmentally sustainable and equitable manner and protecting the interest of the communities that developed these traditions should also benefit when these medicines are brought to the market, including by sharing the fruits of intellectual property. The DG concluded by thanking the Prime Minister. “Thank you so much for championing this important initiative. Which I believe that not only the Centre but your championing will bring significant change in the use of traditional medicines”, the DG WHO told the Prime Minister Modi. He also praised Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth for his commitment to traditional medicine. He also noted the happy coincidence of WHO turning 75 in the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth praised India and Gujarat for their contribution in the field of traditional medicine. He also noted India’s support in health sphere in his country. Noting the common ancestry with India, the Prime Minister of Mauritius underlined the importance given to Ayurveda in his country.  He informed about establishment of an Ayurvedic hospital in Mauritius and thanked India for donation of traditional medicines during the first lockdown. “This was one of the many gestures of solidarity for which we are ever grateful to the Indian government and particularly to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji”, said Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the idea of the Global AYUSH Investment & Innovation Summit came to him during the time of pandemic when Ayush provided a strong support for improving immunity of the people and Ayush products saw surge of interest and demand. Recalling Indian efforts to tackle the pandemic the Prime Minister noted the promise shown by the modern pharma companies and vaccine manufacturers if they get investment at the right time. “Who could have imagined that we would be able to develop corona vaccine so soon?”, he asked.

Describing the strides made by the Ayush sector the Prime Minister said “we are already witnessing unprecedented growth in the production of AYUSH medicines, supplements and cosmetics. In 2014, where the AYUSH sector was less than $3 billion, today it has increased to more than $18 billion.” He said that the Ministry of AYUSH has taken several major steps to encourage startup culture in the field of Traditional Medicines. A few days back an incubation center developed by All India Institute of Ayurveda has been inaugurated, Shri Modi informed. Describing the current age, the era of unicorns, the Prime Minister informed that in the year 2022 itself, so far 14 start-ups from India have joined the Unicorn Club. “I am sure unicorns will emerge from our AYUSH start-ups very soon”, he hoped. Noting that the production of medicinal plants can be a good means of increasing the income and livelihood of the farmers and the scope of employment generation in this, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of facility to easily connect with the market for the farmers involved in the production of medicinal plants. For this, the government is also working on modernization and expansion of AYUSH e-market place, he said. “India is a treasure trove of herbal plants, it is, in a way our 'Green Gold'”, the Prime Minister stressed.

The Prime Minister described the unprecedented efforts made in the past years to promote the export of AYUSH products. Emphasis has been laid on mutual recognition of AYUSH drugs with other countries. For this more than 50 MoUs have been entered with different countries in the last few years. “Our AYUSH experts are developing ISO standards in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards. This will open a huge export market for AYUSH in more than 150 countries”, he said.

Shri Modi also informed that FSSAI has announced a new category named 'AYUSH Aahar' in its regulations last week. This will greatly facilitate the producers of herbal nutritional supplements. Similarly, India is also going to make a special AYUSH mark. This mark will be applied to the highest quality AYUSH products made in India. This AYUSH mark will be equipped with the provisions of modern technology. “This will give people all over the world the confidence of quality AYUSH products” he added.

The Prime Minister announced that the government will develop a network of AYUSH parks to encourage the promotion, research and manufacturing of AYUSH products across the country. These Ayush Parks will give new direction to Ayush Manufacturing in India, Shri Modi said.

Continuing on the potential of traditional medicine, the Prime Minister noted the role of traditional medicines in increasing the tourism of Kerala. “This potential is there in every corner of India. 'Heal in India' can become a big brand of this decade” he said. Wellness centers based on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha etc. can be very popular, he said. To promote this further, the Prime Minister continued, the government is taking another initiative for foreign nationals who want to come to India to take advantage of AYUSH therapy. “Very soon, India is going to introduce a special AYUSH visa category. This will facilitate people to travel to India for AYUSH therapy” declared the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also narrated the Ayurveda success story of Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga’s daughter Rosemary Odinga regaining her eyesight after Ayush treatment. Rosemary Odinga was present in the audience and the Prime Minister introduced her as the gathering gave her a thunderous applause. He continued that India of the 21st century wants to move ahead by sharing its experiences and its knowledge with the world. “Our heritage is like a legacy to the entire humanity”, he said. The Prime Minister stressed that one of the main reasons behind the prosperity of Ayurveda has been its open source model. Comparing this with the open-source movement in IT sector, the Prime Minister emphasized that Ayurveda tradition went from strength to strength by sharing of knowledge. He stressed the need to work with the same spirit of open-source taking inspiration from our ancestors. He hoped that Amrit Kaal of next 25 year will prove to be the golden period of traditional medicines.

The Prime Minister address ended on a very personal and interesting note. Narrating Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus’s love for India and his regard for his Indian teachers and his affection for Gujarat, Shri Modi gave him a Gujarati Name ‘Tulsi Bhai’. He explained the auspicious and exalted status of Tulsi in Indian tradition to the audience and a beaming DG, WHO and thanked him and Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth for their presence.

30-Jul-2021: AYUSH system of medicine become popular in many countries

With increasing awareness about health, fitness and changing lifestyle, the demand for AYUSH Systems especially Ayurveda & Yoga has increased tremendously at international level. The United Nation declaration of 21st June as International Day of Yoga marks the relevance and significance of Ayush systems as an important intervention for ensuring the well-being of entire global community. Ayurveda is recognized as System of Medicine in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Malaysia, Mauritius, Hungary, Serbia, Tanzania, Switzerland, Cuba and Brazil. Romania, Hungary, Latvia, Serbia and Slovenia are 5 countries of European Union (EU), where Ayurvedic Practices is regulated. Unani system is recognized in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bahrain, UAE and Tanzania. Siddha system is recognized in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Sowa Rigpa system is recognized in Bhutan and Mongolia. Homoeopathy system is recognized in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Oman, UAE, Russia and Tanzania. It is well regulated in Ghana, Chile, Colombia, Romania, Turkey, Ontario (Canada) and is integrated into National Health Policy in UK. Ayush products is being exported to more than 100 foreign countries either as Medicine or as Food Supplement.

The Ministry of Ayush undertakes various initiatives for international promotion, propagation & global acceptability of Ayush systems such as Bilateral & Multilateral negotiations with different countries to undertake various steps for trade facilitation, recognition to Ayush System, establishing a dedicated AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AEPC) to promote export of Ayush products/ Medicines/Services, support to Industry & Hospitals for participation in International Exhibitions, deputation of experts to various countries establishing quality standards by collaborating with International Agencies like WHO, ISO etc., encouraging outbound investment, establishing International Ayush Institutes,  offering scholarship to foreign nationals for pursuing Ayush courses in India etc.

As of now, there is no plan to establish separate Universities for each of the discipline of Ayush in the country. However, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur under Ministry of Ayush has been granted the status of Institute deemed to be university by University Grants Commission (UGC).

A total of 12 National Institutes of different Ayush streams are already functioning at different locations. In addition, following 04 satellite/ constituent institutions of these National Institutes are being established:

• Constituent Institution of National Institute of Unani Medicine at Ghaziabad
• Constituent Institution of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) at Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa
• Constituent Institution of National Institute of Ayurveda, Panchkula (Haryana)
• Constituent Institution of National Institute of Homeopathy, Narela (Delhi)

Govt of India is actively involved in propagation and popularizing all the stream of Ayush amongst all age group especially youth in the country through its various initiatives e.g. Celebrating National as well as International Day of Yoga, Ayurveda, Homeopathic, Unani etc., National/State level health & Wellness outreach programs like viz. Swasthya Rakshan Program, Arogya-melas, Health camps, exhibitions, AYU SAMVAD campaign program,  etc., Enhancing the capacity of Ayush Academics, Services and Product Sector e.g. Operationalization of 12500 Ayush health and wellness centres in the country etc., disseminating authentic information about Ayush System social media like Facebook, twitter, YouTube, print media in national newspapers, audio jingles and video documentary films & TV shows, developing mobile applications,  issuing necessary advisories such as for covid-19.

12-Feb-2021: Significance of Ayush in Boosting Immunity

The Government has taken note of the importance of AYUSH in view of need to improve immunity of every individual. Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken following steps to propagate AYUSH among the public during COVID-19 outbreak:

1. Ministry of AYUSH issued an advisory on 29.01.2020 on how to protect oneself from COVID and how to stay healthy. Ministry has written a letter on 06.03.2020 to all Chief Secretaries of States / Union territories with more specific suggestions on augmentation of General Immunity of people and about possible AYUSH intervention. Ministry has also issued self-care guidelines on 31.03.2020 for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health.
2. Considering the importance of immunity boosting measures in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, Ministry of AYUSH has promoted use of ready-made Ayush formulation i.e. ‘Ayush Kwath’(Ayurveda) or ‘Ayush Kudineer’(Siddha) or ‘Ayush Joshanda’ (Unani) in the interest of health promotion to the masses.
3. The Ministry of AYUSH has released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19” prepared by National Task force which in consensus from expert committees from All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi, Institute of Post Graduate Training and Research in Ayurved (IPGTRA), Jamnagar, and National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur , Central Council for Research in Ayurveda (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) and other national research organizations as per the Report & Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Committee wherein guidelines for post-covid care have been mentioned.  This protocol is based on:
   1. Knowledge from   Ayurveda   literature and clinical experience
   2. Empirical evidences and Biological plausibility
   3. Emerging trends of ongoing clinical studies

The salient features of this protocol include management of prophylactic, Asymptomatic, Mild and Moderate cases of COVID-19 along with of post-management.

Ministry of AYUSH had launched a three-month campaign called “AYUSH for Immunity” that aimed to increase awareness among the masses, regarding the effective home care solutions and recommended AYUSH practices, to help them to enhance their immunity. During the entire campaign, series of events, such as social media contests, online discourses and virtual seminars were carried out, which further increased the reach of Ministry of AYUSH among various sections of the society, within India and abroad. The interest in traditional and non-conventional systems of healthcare recognized by the Government of India increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key objective of the campaign was to acquaint the people with information about the strengths of various AYUSH-based solutions for enhancing healthy lifestyle and preventing the occurrence of diseases. It was a theme-based campaign, covering the Aahara, Vihaara, and Nidra themes, for the months of September, October, and November 2020 respectively. Various outreach activities were conducted by different institutions, for public awareness. The Ministry of AYUSH had organized a formal inaugural event for AYUSH for Immunity campaign, on the 14th of August 2020, on its AYUSH Virtual Convention Centre (AVCC) platform.

The Ministry of AYUSH has been implementing Central Sector Scheme for Information, Education and communication (IEC) with following components for adequate dissemination of information throughout the Country;

1. Organization of Arogya Fairs both at the National and State Level;
2. Organization of Ayurveda Parv and Yoga Fest/Utsav etc.
3. Participation in Health Fairs/ Melas/Exhibitions organized by Government Departments, State Governments and other reputed AYUSH Organizations;
4. Preparation and distribution of authentic Publicity material on AYUSH Systems including Multi-media/print media campaigns and platforms, audio visual materials for popularization of AYUSH Systems;
5. Activities and programmes undertaken by the Ministry and its autonomous bodies to achieve the objectives listed at 2 above. This would include activities taken up in connection with the observation of designated “Days” of the different AYUSH systems, like the International Day of Yoga, Ayurveda Day, mega event namely Ayush Conclave as flagship programme for conducting annually for general public and other stakeholder in the field of Ayush.
6. Providing financial assistance to reputed organizations, AYUSH specific NGOs, educational/ research institutes for organizing Seminars, Conferences, Symposiums, Workshop, meeting, etc. on AYUSH Systems.
7. Providing incentives to AYUSH Industry to participate in National and State Arogya Fairs/ Melas organized by Central/ State Governments/ Government organizations/ reputed organizations like Chemexil, Pharmexcil, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, ITPO etc. at State/ National level.
8. Conducting virtual webinars / exhibitions on Ayush related topics.
9. Media campaign through social media.

30-Jul-2020: AYUSH Minister reviews National AYUSH Mission and Operationalisation of AYUSH HWCs

Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State (I/C) for AYUSH chaired a Webinar of Health/AYUSH Ministers of all the States/UTs today to review the centrally sponsored scheme of National AYUSH Mission and Operationalization of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers.

On this occasion, Shri Naik launched a dedicated Web-Portal for National AYUSH Mission to submit State Annual Action Plans, Utilization Certificates, Physical & Financial Progress report, information related to DBT etc. in online mode to the Ministry. This initiative of Ministry of AYUSH will bring transparency and ease of doing work using IT applications, as per policy of the Government. The Minister also released 4 publications including Operational Guidelines for establishment of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers.

In the webinar, 15 Health/AYUSH Ministers shared their views on Operationalization of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers and progress and implementation of National AYUSH Mission in their States/UTs. Health/AYUSH Ministers also ensured their full co-operation to operationalize AYUSH Health Wellness Center and to bring significant progress on approved activities under National AYUSH Mission.

Addressing the video conference Shri Shripad Naik  requested the Health/AYUSH Ministers to give due focus to the early establishment and operationalization of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers to strengthen the primary Healthcare delivery system in real-terms and to extend the AYUSH health care to the needy public. He underlined the need to speed up the pace of work sanctioned under National AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers, so that the benefit may reach to the common people.

Health/AYUSH Ministers from the States/UTs along with Principal Secretaries/Secretaries (Health/AYUSH), Commissioners/Directors participated in the Webinar.

On this occasion, Secretary, AYUSH Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, stated that AYUSH Health & Wellness Center is an opportunity for AYUSH system to establish its effectiveness in the public health. He emphasized on timely utilization of funds released to the States/UTs. Joint Secretary, AYUSH Sh. Roshan Jaggi, briefed about the National AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers and requested all the States/UTs to timely operationalize AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers as per the target assigned to them.

3-Jun-2020: Cabinet approves establishment of Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as Subordinate Office under Ministry of AYUSH

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to re-establish Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as Subordinate Office under Ministry of AYUSH by merging into it Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL)- the two central laboratories established at Ghaziabad since 1975.

Presently, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is an autonomous body under the aegis of Ministry of AYUSH established since 2010. The merger is 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. It is also intended to accord legal status to the merged structure of PCIM&H and its laboratory by virtue of making necessary amendment and enabling provisions in the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Consultation in this regard has been done with the Director General Health Services, Drugs Controller General and Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB), which is a statutory body under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 meant for advising Central and State Governments in regulatory matters of ASLT drugs. Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has concurred the proposal of realigning the posts and hierarchical structure of the merged organisations.

PLIM & HPL being the subordinate offices and PCIM&H- an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH are going to be merged to establish PCIM&H, as a subordinate office of the Ministry with a common administrative control.

Post-merger PCIM&H will have adequate administrative structure under the Ministry to strive for augmenting the capacity and outcomes of pharmacopoieal work, achieving harmonization of pharmacopoeial standards of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs, preventing duplication and overlapping of drug standardization work and optimal utilization of resources in effective manner.

10-Apr-2020: AYUSH reiterates immunity boosting measures for self-care during COVID 19 crises

Ministry of AYUSH had issued an advisory on various immunity enhancing steps from the time tested approaches of Ayurveda. The advisory is reiterated again in these testing times to support the efforts of all as a measure towards enhancing ones immunity.   

The advisory issued on 31st March 2020, covered the following five broad areas:

The backdrop against which the advisory is issued:

In the wake of the Covid 19 outbreak, entire mankind across the globe is suffering. Enhancing the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health.

We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.

Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge base on preventive care, derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” - daily regimes and “Ritucharya” - seasonal regimes to maintain healthy life. It is mainly a plant-based science. The simplicity of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her immunity is emphasized across Ayurveda’s classical scriptures.

Ministry of AYUSH recommends some self-care guidelines (given in subsequent sections below) for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

1. General Measures for enhancing immunity:
   1. Drink warm water throughout the day.
   2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH
   3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
2. Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures:
   1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
   2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
   3. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.
3. Simple Ayurvedic Procedures
   1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.
   2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.
4. Procedures during dry cough / sore throat
   1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
   2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
   3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

Following the AYUSH ministry initiative many state governments also followed up with healthcare advice on traditional medicine solutions to enhance immunity and disease-resistance, which are particularly relevant against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to the above advisory, the Ministry of AYUSH has also proposed to include AYUSH solutions in the District level Contingency Plans being drawn up to contain Covid -19 in all the districts across the country. The Ministry has also put together the draft guidelines for practitioners of different AYUSH systems in the wake of Covid-19, which is expected to be published shortly, after vetting by public health experts.

31-Mar-2020: AYUSH Ministry urges diligence in Covid- 19 claims and initiates work for scientific and evidence-based solutions to fight the Corona virus

In follow-up to the call given by the Prime Minister to help stop big claims without evidence-support about treatment of COVID 19, the Ministry of AYUSH has initiated steps to curb such claims through creation of awareness. Further, the Ministry also initiated action on the Prime Minister’s advice to work for scientific evidence-based solutions from the AYUSH systems to restrain the spread of the pandemic by setting up a channel to enlist various suggestions and proposals from AYUSH practitioners and AYUSH institutions, and having them examined for viability through a Group of Scientists.

The Ministry is using platforms like video conferencing and social media to reach out to AYUSH practitioners and involve them in stopping and discouraging false and unsupported claims. In a video conference held on 30th March 2020, nearly hundred thought leaders from different disciplines of AYUSH participated, and among other things, also resolved to work for spreading awareness against such inappropriate claims. Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways and Commerce and Shri Shripad Naik MoS (Independent Charge) AYUSH addressed the leaders of AYUSH Industry in the video conference on 30th March 2020.

One of the follow up action being initiated by the Ministry of AYUSH on the PM’s call to work for scientific evidence-based solutions from the AYUSH systems is to set up an online channel on its website for receiving suggestions based on scientific explanations and proposals on therapies and procedures prepared based on standard scientific guidelines that could restrain the spread of the Covid -19 pandemic, or to manage the disease. The Ministry has accordingly invited inputs from AYUSH practitioners and AYUSH institutions (institutions may include colleges/ universities, hospitals, research institutes, AYUSH manufacturers, AYUSH associations etc.). The inputs can be submitted on the Ministry’s website at the following link: http://ayush.gov.in/covid-19  (If the link doesn't work when you click on it, you may copy the same and paste in the address bar of your web browser)

The inputs received will be scrutinised by a Committee of Experts. Those proposals recommended by the Scrutiny Committee will be further vetted by a group of scientists from diverse specialties. Wherever possible, those proposals may be taken up for validation studies.

The observations of the PM came in interaction held through video conference with prominent personalities from the AYUSH Sector on 28 March 2020.

17-Mar-2020: Research and Development Centres for Ayurveda And Siddha

The Ministry of AYUSH has established Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) which are apex organizations for developing and promoting research & development in Siddha system and Ayurvedic system of medicine respectively in the country including Hyderabad (Telangana). CCRAS has a total of 30 Ayurvedic Research Institutes/Centres/Units located all over India and CCRS has a total of 08 Siddha Research Institutes/Units functioning under it.

Under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), one Siddha Wellness Centre at Delhi and two at Chennai are providing treatment facilities. The details of Siddha CGHS Centres are as under:-

1. KK Nagar Siddha Unit - Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2. Anna Nagar Siddha Unit - Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3. Lodhi Road Siddha Unit - New Delhi

The following steps are taken/being taken by the Ministry of AYUSH in developing the Ayurveda and Siddha Systems of medicine to cure diseases which are presently incurable under allopathy:- 

1. Center for Integrative Oncology (CIO) has been established as a joint venture of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR-ICMR) for treatment of cancer.
2. CCRAS is coordinating, formulating, developing and promoting research in Ayurvedic Sciences on scientific lines. The research activities mainly include Medicinal Plant Research (Medico-ethno botanical Survey, Pharmacognosy and Tissue Culture), Drug Standardization, Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation and Tribal Health Care Research Programme and carried out through its 30 Institutes/Centres/Units located at different states across the Country and also in collaboration with reputed academic and research organizations. The outcomes of these researches are being disseminated through research articles, technical reports, Ayush research portal and journals etc.
3. CCRS is providing health care facilities for various diseases like Psoriasis, Eczema, respiratory disorders, Musculoskeletal diseases, Skin diseases, Respiratory diseases, Women’s Health, Neuro degenerative diseases, Peptic ulcer diseases, Non-healing ulcers, male and female reproductive diseases, non-communicable diseases, vector-borne diseases etc. through its eight peripheral institutes / units.
4. Siddhar Kayakalpam, Siddhar Yogam, external therapies like Varmam, Thokkanam and Pura maruthuvam are the strength of Siddha system for prevention, management and treatment of incurable diseases along with internal medications.  
5. Nilavembu Kudineer, a Siddha medicine has proven effect in the prevention and management of Dengue and Chikungunya in epidemic out breaks. 
6. Treatment and management of Dengue in Siddha system offers Nilavembu kashayam and papaya leaf juice which increases platelet count and reduces further complication. Moreover, it proves to be less expensive and highly effective.
7. Specialized treatments are also being provided by CCRS to the public through Diabetic OPD, Geriatric OPD, Reproductive and Child health care OPD, Varmam, Thokkanam, Bone setting and Yogam OPD.

A. List of the Siddha Research Institutes/units under CCRS:-

1. Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
2. Siddha Regional Research Institute, Puducherry.
3. Siddha Regional Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
4. Siddha Clinical Research Unit, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu.
5. Siddha Clinical Research Unit, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
6. Siddha Clinical Research Unit, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
7. Siddha Medicinal Plants Garden, Mettur Dam, Tamil Nadu.
8. Siddha Clinical Research Unit, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

B. List of the Ayurvedic Research Institutes/Centres/units under CCRAS:-

1. Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, New Delhi.
2. National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruthuruthy, Kerala.
3. Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Hepatobiliary Disorders, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
4. Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development, Kolkata, West Bengal.
5. Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Respiratory Disorders, Patiala, Punjab.
6. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Eye Diseases, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
7. Raja Ramdeo Anandilal Podar (RRAP) Central   Ayurveda Research Institute for Cancer, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
8. M.S. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Endocrine Disorders, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
9. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
10. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin disorders, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
11. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Mother and Child Health, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
12. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders, Bangalore, Karnataka.
13. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Life style related Disorders, Trivandrum, Kerala.
14. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Patna, Bihar.
15. Research Ayurveda Regional Institute for Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, Guwahati, Assam.
16. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Gangtok, Sikkim.
17. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
18. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Urinary Disorders, Jammu, J&K.
19. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Nutritional Disorders, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
20. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
21. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand.
22. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
23. Regional Ayurveda Institute for Fundamental Research, Pune, Maharashtra.
24. National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad, Telangana.
25. Captain Srinivasa Murthy Regional Ayurveda Drug Development Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
26. Dr. Achanta Lakshmipati Research Centre for Ayurveda, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
27. Regional Research Center of Ayurveda, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
28. National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa, Leh, Ladakh.
29. Regional Ayurveda Research Centre, Dimapur, Nagaland.
30. Regional Ayurveda Research Centre, Agartala, Tripura.

6-Mar-2020: Steps taken to encourage the use of Ayurveda at the international level

Ministry of AYUSH through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers 104 scholarships every year to the eligible foreign nationals from 98 countries for pursuing undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and Ph. D courses in premier Institutes in India.

As of now, Ministry of AYUSH has signed 23 Country to Country MoUs for Cooperation in field of Traditional Medicine and Homoeopathy namely Nepal, Bangladesh, Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, WHO, Mauritius, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Germany (Joint declaration), Iran, Sao Tome & Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Colombia,  Japan  (MoC), Bolivia, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, China, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Suriname.        22 MoUs have been signed  for undertaking collaborative research in AYUSH systems of medicine with various foreign universities in Germany, United Kingdom,  Canada, United States, Argentina, Israel, Brazil, Australia, Austria,  Tajikistan and Ecuador to conclusively prove the benefits of Ayurveda.  13 MoUs for setting up AYUSH Academic Chairs have been signed with foreign institutes in Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, Thailand, Russia Indonesia Slovenia, Armenia, Latvia, Argentina., Malaysia, Bangladesh and Mauritius.

Ministry of AYUSH has set up 33 AYUSH Information Cell in 31 countries to disseminate authentic information about AYUSH systems of Medicine. 

Under Central Sector Scheme for promotion of International Cooperation, (IC Scheme), the Ministry of AYUSH undertakes various measures to promote & propagate AYUSH systems of medicine across the globe;  to encourage the use of Ayurveda at the international level; and to increase the acceptability of Ayurveda on a global stage through research, testing, and/or information dissemination.

Ministry of AYUSH deputes AYUSH experts to foreign countries to participate in international meetings, conferences, training programmes, seminars and on special assignment of the Government of India for promotion and propagation of AYUSH Systems. Financial assistance is also provided for presentation of AYUSH related scientific research papers in international conferences, workshops, seminar etc.

Incentives are provided to AYUSH drug manufacturers/ entrepreneurs/ AYUSH institutions, AYUSH drug and Hospitals etc. for (a) participating in International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. for generating awareness amongst the participating public about the AYUSH systems of medicine and; (b) registration of AYUSH products with regulatory authorities of the foreign countries USFDA/EMEA/UK-MHRA/ NHPD (Canada)/ TGA etc.  There is a provision of financial support up to Rs. 1.00 Crores for strengthening of Health Centre(s)/ Institution(s) in the foreign host country.

26-Feb-2020: International Conference on Standardisation of AYUSH Terminologies concludes in Delhi

ICoSDiTAUS-2020, the two-day International Conference on Standardisation of Diagnosis and Terminologies in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha Systems of Medicine concluded in New Delhi today with adopting the “New Delhi Declaration on Collection and Classification of Traditional Medicine (TM) Diagnostic Data”.

The sixteen countries which came together for the cause of Traditional Medicine at this conference are Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Serbia, Curacao, Cuba, Myanmar, Equatorial Guinea, Qatar, Ghana, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, India, Switzerland, Iran, Jamaica and Japan.

ICoSDiTAUS-2020 is the biggest ever international event dedicated to standardisation of Diagnosis and Terminologies of Traditional Medicine in terms of the broad level of participation covering virtually all the continents.

The inaugural address of Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO - SEARO on 25th February 2020 set the tone for the conference, and underlined the power of TM systems and their significance in addressing the public health challenges of the 21st century.  Dr Samira Asma, Assistant Director General, WHO, joined in through video conference, emphasised on the potential of strategic use of data and evidence to advance TM systems into public health. Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, AYUSH, in his talk in the inaugural session explained the extent of the contribution being made in Traditional Medicine systems in India in the effort to achieve universal health coverage.

The topics discussed in the conference included:

• The challenges in Counting and classification of traditional medicine encounters.
• Adapting ICD to TM Systems and their implementation.
• Relevance and regulation of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems.
• TM data and digital health, in which the global picture was presented by Prof Kenji Watanabe of Japan, a leading proponent of adoption of TM in public health, and country perspectives were given by different participants.

Mr. Alexander Kodwo Kom Abban, Deputy Minister for Health, Govt. of Ghana and Mrs. Suzanne Camelia Romer, Minister of Health of Curacao took leadership roles in the deliberations, and strongly advocated adopting Information Technology and new statistical tools for advancing the practice of TM systems across the globe.

The conference succeeded in taking forward the objective of expanding the International Classification of Diseases(ICD) into the realm of Traditional Medicine systems at a conceptual level with all the countries endorsing the same. There was also a consensus that work on the second module of the Traditional Medicine Chapter of ICD should be expedited, and collaborative efforts of stake-holding countries are needed for this. The suitability of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha systems for inclusion in the TM Chapter of ICD was also pointed out.

The New Delhi declaration emphasised the commitment of the countries to Traditional Medicine as a significant area of health care. It further sought the opportunity for including traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha in the International Classification of Diseases of WHO which is the standard diagnostic tool for health management across the world.

13-Feb-2019: AYUSH Minister launches e-AUSHADHI portal for Online Licensing System of AYUSH Medicine

Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik launched the e-AUSHADHI portal, for online licensing of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters at New Delhi. Addressing the gathering Shri Naik said that this e-AUSHADHI portal is intended for increased transparency, improved information management facility, improved data usability and increased accountability. The Minister informed that timelines will be fixed for processing of application through this portal with SMS and e-mail status updates at each step of the process. He said that such an initiative of the Ministry of AYUSH is a reflection of our Government’s commitment towards e-governance, ease of doing business and Make in India.

Speaking on the occasion Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha  Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH said that Ministry endeavours to come out with new initiatives and solutions to address the problems faced by practitioners, manufactures and consumers of AYUSH medicines. In this direction, this new e-portal is an acronym for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Automated Drug Help Initiative. He further added that this portal will not only aid the licensing authority , manufactures and consumers, as it will provide real time information of the licensed manufactures and their products, cancelled and spurious drugs, contact details of the concerned authority for specific grievances.

18-May-2018: “AYUSH” finds a place in English Language

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology has decided to adopt the word ‘AYUSH’ in Hindi and English languages for scientific and technical purposes. The “AYUSH” became popular as the acronym for five traditional and complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy and successfully adopted and used in all Government communications. The decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of AYUSH in this regards.

As approved by the Commission, the word ‘Ayush’ will have the meaning “Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homoeopathy etc. Following the Commission’s recognition, the word is expected to gain currency in popular usage in a short span of time.

Despite many commonalities, the practice of the Ayush systems of healthcare in India have remained fragmented in system-specific silos. Today’s decision would, in the long term, highlight the unifying features of the different systems.  It would facilitate projects and activities of larger scope to emerge, and thereby promote faster development of these systems.  This decision will also give a boost to India’s efforts to find a place for the Indian Systems of Healthcare in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the World Health Organization. The Indian systems finding a place in ICD will lead to their international acceptance, increased rigor of research in them and their over-all development.

“Sowa-Rigpa” commonly known as Tibetan system of medicine is one of the oldest, Living and well documented medical tradition of the world.