Recent developments in India’s healthcare system have brought into light the need for reform in the regulation of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) drugs. A parliamentary committee has recommended consolidating standard-setting processes under a single independent drug controller. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and ensure uniformity in the regulation of AYUSH products.
Consolidation of AYUSH Drug Standards
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has proposed a unified approach to AYUSH drug regulation. This involves aligning the processes with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The aim is to create a streamlined mechanism that engages stakeholders in developing pharmacopoeial standards.
Collaboration Between Key Institutions
The committee suggests that the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) work together. This collaboration will enhance the scientific testing and evaluation of AYUSH drug samples, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and quality.
Expanding Outreach of AYUSH Initiatives
The committee noted the limited reach of Arogya Fair and Ayurveda Parv across India. It recommended increasing this outreach to cover at least 50% of states in the coming year. The goal is to promote the AYUSH system for preventing and treating common ailments effectively.
Enhancing Awareness Through Communication
The committee emphasised the need for a robust Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) scheme. This initiative should focus on raising awareness about AYUSH in rural and urban slum areas, as well as in hilly and tribal regions.
International Cooperation and Promotion
The report marks the importance of promoting AYUSH in international markets. The committee suggested engaging with first-world countries like the UK and the US. This aims to promote AYUSH among Indian expatriates and their local populations.
Strategies for Global Promotion
To enhance the global presence of AYUSH, the committee recommended various strategies. These include road shows, continuing medical education (CME) for foreign audiences, and strategic marketing communications. The goal is to boost investment and export of AYUSH products.
Research and Innovation in AYUSH
The committee underlined the significance of research in AYUSH. It recommended the collection of data on safety and quality control of AYUSH products. This will support evidence-based claims regarding the efficacy of AYUSH drugs and therapies.
Human Resource Development in AYUSH
To encourage scientific expertise in AYUSH, a strategic plan for human resource development is essential. The ministry should focus on managing and training personnel in AYUSH systems effectively.
Global Traditional Medicine Centre
The establishment of a WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is milestone. The committee welcomed this development, recognising its potential to enhance global acceptance of traditional medicine.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the significance of consolidating AYUSH drug standards under a single independent authority.
- Discuss the role of international cooperation in promoting AYUSH systems among the Indian diaspora.
- What are the potential benefits of research and innovation in AYUSH for public health? Critically discuss.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of global traditional medicine initiatives on local healthcare systems in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the significance of consolidating AYUSH drug standards under a single independent authority.
- Streamlines regulatory processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing bureaucratic delays.
- Ensures uniformity in quality and safety standards across AYUSH products, boosting consumer confidence.
- Facilitates better coordination among stakeholders, including researchers, manufacturers, and healthcare providers.
- Aligns AYUSH regulations with the established Drugs and Cosmetics Act, promoting legal clarity.
- Strengthens the foundation for scientific research, allowing for evidence-based practices in AYUSH systems.
2. Discuss the role of international cooperation in promoting AYUSH systems among the Indian diaspora.
- Enhances visibility of AYUSH practices, making them more accessible to Indian expatriates and local populations.
- Encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration with healthcare systems in first-world countries.
- Facilitates partnerships for research, development, and marketing of AYUSH products internationally.
- Promotes cultural heritage and traditional practices, encouraging a sense of identity among the diaspora.
- Boosts tourism and healthcare travel to India, leveraging AYUSH as a unique offering for wellness and treatment.
3. What are the potential benefits of research and innovation in AYUSH for public health? Critically discuss.
- Improves safety and efficacy of AYUSH products through rigorous testing and quality control.
- Supports evidence-based practices, enhancing credibility and acceptance of AYUSH therapies.
- Facilitates the development of novel treatments for prioritized diseases, addressing public health challenges.
- Encourages integration of traditional and modern medicine, broadening healthcare options for patients.
- Contributes to economic growth by promoting AYUSH-related industries and exports.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of global traditional medicine initiatives on local healthcare systems in India.
- Increased funding and resources for traditional medicine research, such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Gujarat.
- Enhanced training and capacity building for practitioners, improving the quality of care in local healthcare settings.
- Greater public awareness and acceptance of traditional practices, leading to higher utilization rates.
- Promotion of AYUSH systems in international markets, encouraging economic opportunities for local producers.
- Facilitates collaboration between local healthcare providers and global institutions, enriching the healthcare ecosystem.
