The recent launch of the SMART program by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), both prominent institutions under the Ministry of Ayush, has sparked considerable interest. This innovative program aims to invigorate scientific research within the realm of Ayurveda, leveraging the facilities and resources of Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
The SMART Program: An Overview
The SMART (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) program seeks to harness the largely untapped research potential within the community of Ayurveda teachers. The intention is to kindle a long-term, rejuvenating impact on research within the field of Ayurveda, helping advance the nation’s healthcare frontiers.
The primary objective of this initiative is to pinpoint, nurture and enhance innovative research ideas in vital healthcare domains. These include Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By stimulating teachers to undertake projects in these designated areas of healthcare research, the program aims to amass a substantial database.
Understanding the Concept of Ayush
“Ayush” delineates Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing. Its scope encompasses Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The core strengths of these Indian systems of medicine are diversity, flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and broad acceptance by a significant segment of the general public. Coupled with their relatively low cost and escalating economic value, these facets position them as potentially critical providers of the healthcare that is in high demand across different sections of the populace.
Government Initiatives for Ayurveda Development
The government has introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting and developing Ayurveda. A noteworthy instance is the National Ayush Mission, designed to boost the nation’s health sector by fostering the Indian system of medicine.
Another significant initiative is the Aahaar Kranti Mission. This project seeks to revolutionize India’s nutritional landscape by drawing on the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic principles.
In terms of technological integration, a couple of new portals related to the Ayush sector have been unveiled. These are the ACCR Portal and the Ayush Sanjivani App. These digital platforms serve to promote awareness, accessibility, and utilization of Ayurvedic principles, practices, and treatments among the public. They are expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the overall development and popularity of Ayurveda within the country.
As such, the SMART program, together with these various government-backed initiatives and technology integrations, holds a promise of ushering in a new era for Ayurveda in the Indian healthcare sector.
