India is making significant strides towards gaining global recognition for Ayurveda by prioritizing robust, evidence-based research and high-quality clinical trials. This initiative is spearheaded by institutions like the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), as revealed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush), Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, during a recent interview.
The Minister clarified the Ministry’s vision for healthcare in India, stating unequivocally that “Allopathy and Ayush systems are designed to complement each other, not compete.” He emphasized a commitment to developing an integrated healthcare model, leveraging the unique strengths of both systems to deliver comprehensive and improved patient care across the nation. The Ministry aims for balanced and equitable development while respecting the distinct identity of each medical discipline.
Key to this strategy is the National Ayush Mission (NAM), which is actively establishing Ayush health centers and nurturing medicinal gardens throughout the country. Furthermore, regulatory bodies such as the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) and the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) have been instated to ensure rigorous standardization in course content, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and research practices for traditional Indian medicine.
Minister Jadhav also highlighted government efforts to bolster public health infrastructure, noting that Ayush doctors are being strategically deployed in Health and Wellness Centres. This ensures that even residents in rural and remote areas have access to essential primary healthcare services.
In a landmark collaboration, India partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat—the first facility of its kind worldwide. This center is dedicated to accelerating the standardization, research, and global outreach of Ayush systems, marking a pivotal step towards wider international acceptance.
Addressing concerns about the quality and authenticity of Ayurvedic medicines, the Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the drug quality control network. This involves developing modern laboratories, implementing stringent testing protocols, and utilizing digital tracking systems. Additionally, manufacturers are strongly encouraged to adopt Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product safety and efficacy.
Regarding the integration of Yoga and Ayurveda education, Minister Jadhav stated that efforts are underway to incorporate these disciplines into school and college curricula. Course modules are being jointly developed with NCERT and UGC to help younger generations connect with the principles of holistic health. “Our ultimate goal,” he concluded, “is to position India as a global leader in healthcare by 2047, driven by a strong focus on evidence-based research, digital innovation, quality Ayush education, and a thriving start-up ecosystem.”