In view of renewed and focused thrust on the development of Ayush systems and its integration in the healthcare delivery system of the country over the past few years, the Union Ministry of Ayush is working out on a new National Policy on Ayush-2016.
The move comes after around 14 years since its last policy in 2002.
The two-year old Ministry has sought comments from various stakeholders to be considered before finalising the new policy aimed to give impetus to the Indian alternate traditional medical system.
Erstwhile a department within the Health Ministry, Ayush Ministry was carved out as a full-fledged one in 2014, reflecting the Modi Government's emphasis on the alternate medical system in the country.
A circular on the website of the Ministry says that "a large number of initiatives have been taken in the past few years which included setting up of National Ayush Mission, amendments in various Acts concerning Ayush, enhancing quality of education through regulatory bodies, provision of infrastructural facilities for drug industry to ensure safety and efficacy of Ayush drugs."
The celebration of World Yoga Day on 21 June at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been considered as a major achievement for the MinistryBesides, global exposure to Ayush has also taken place in a big way since then, said the official.
The interest in our systems overseas for gentler and plant based treatment has been growing rapidly. Moreover, certain therapies are becoming extremely popular and tourists/visitors come to India for such therapies like Panchkarma and Yoga, added the official.
Medical tourism not only popularises our system but offers good avenue for foreign exchange earnings. little has been done to create a chain of Panchkarma Centres and establish centres of excellence for yoga therapy, meditation and teaching.