Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH Systems

The Ministry of Ayush in India has launched a central sector scheme aimed at promoting international cooperation for AYUSH systems of medicine. This initiative seeks to enhance global awareness and interest in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. The scheme facilitates international collaboration, supports the development of AYUSH products, and encourages academic partnerships worldwide.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objectives include promoting AYUSH systems internationally, facilitating market development, and enhancing recognition of traditional medicine. The scheme also aims to support knowledge exchange and encourage interaction among stakeholders in the AYUSH sector.

International Agreements and Collaborations

The Ministry has signed 24 Memoranda of About (MoUs) with various countries to cooperate in traditional medicine. Additionally, 15 MoUs have been established with international institutes to create AYUSH Academic Chairs abroad. These agreements encourage collaborative research and academic partnerships.

Establishment of AYUSH Academic Chairs

AYUSH Academic Chairs serve as platforms for advancing research and education in AYUSH. These chairs are functional in countries such as Bangladesh, Australia, and Malaysia. They promote public awareness and facilitate academic exchange. The Ministry of Ayush funds the salaries and travel costs of experts appointed to these chairs.

Support for AYUSH Export Promotion

The Ministry supports Indian AYUSH manufacturers and service providers to boost the export of AYUSH products and services. The AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) plays a vital role in this initiative, facilitating market access and promoting AYUSH offerings internationally.

International AYUSH Fellowship/Scholarship Program

The Ministry offers scholarships to foreign nationals for studying AYUSH courses in India. This initiative encourages international students to gain knowledge and expertise in traditional medicine, furthering global interest in AYUSH systems.

Global Initiatives and Events

The Ministry has undertaken various global initiatives, including the establishment of 42 AYUSH Information Cells in 38 foreign nations. Additionally, it celebrates Yoga and Ayurveda Day worldwide, promoting the benefits of these practices on a global scale.

Research and Development Support

The Ministry supports scientific research related to AYUSH systems. This includes advocating for the inclusion of traditional medicine in the International Classification of Diseases. Such efforts enhance the credibility and recognition of AYUSH on a global platform.

Role of AYUSH in Global Health

The promotion of AYUSH systems contributes to global health. By integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare, AYUSH can play important role in addressing various health challenges worldwide.

International Engagements and Events

Experts from the Ministry participate in trade fairs, conferences, and technical training sessions globally. These engagements encourage knowledge exchange and showcase AYUSH systems to a wider audience.

Future Directions

The Ministry aims to expand its international collaborations further. By enhancing its outreach and establishing more academic partnerships, it seeks to solidify the global standing of AYUSH systems of medicine.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of traditional medicine on global health systems.
2. Examine the role of international agreements in promoting AYUSH systems of medicine.
3. Analyse the significance of AYUSH Academic Chairs in encouraging global collaborations.
4. Estimate the potential benefits of AYUSH systems in addressing contemporary health challenges.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of traditional medicine on global health systems.

1. Traditional medicine offers holistic approaches and preventive care, enhancing overall health outcomes.
2. It provides alternative treatment options, especially in regions with limited access to modern healthcare.
3. Integration of traditional medicine can reduce healthcare costs and reliance on pharmaceuticals.
4. Traditional practices promote cultural heritage and patient-centered care, improving community trust in health systems.
5. Global recognition of traditional medicine encourages research and collaboration, enriching the medical landscape.

2. Examine the role of international agreements in promoting AYUSH systems of medicine.

1. International agreements facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration between nations in AYUSH practices.
2. They support the establishment of AYUSH Academic Chairs, enhancing research and education globally.
3. Memoranda of About (MoUs) enable joint initiatives and promote AYUSH products and services abroad.
4. Agreements with foreign institutions encourage cultural exchange and public awareness of AYUSH systems.
5. They strengthen global networks, allowing for the integration of AYUSH in diverse healthcare settings.

3. Analyse the significance of AYUSH Academic Chairs in encouraging global collaborations.

1. AYUSH Academic Chairs serve as hubs for research, education, and training in traditional medicine.
2. They promote academic exchange, encouraging partnerships between Indian institutions and foreign universities.
3. Chairs enhance the visibility and credibility of AYUSH, contributing to its acceptance in international health systems.
4. They provide a platform for sharing best practices and innovations in AYUSH research and education.
5. Establishing these chairs helps in developing a skilled workforce knowledgeable in AYUSH systems globally.

4. Estimate the potential benefits of AYUSH systems in addressing contemporary health challenges.

1. AYUSH systems offer preventive care and lifestyle management, addressing chronic diseases effectively.
2. They can complement modern medicine, providing holistic treatment options for patients.
3. Integration of AYUSH can enhance mental health support through practices like yoga and meditation.
4. AYUSH systems promote sustainable health practices, reducing the environmental impact of healthcare.
5. They can improve health literacy and empower communities to take charge of their health.