NSSO lays special attention on Ayurvedic medicine

Rajesh Kotecha, the secretary of the ministry of Ayush, recently informed that The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) is set to begin a study to assess the public perception and use of traditional systems of medicines in India.

'Ayush' is an acronym for the traditional and complementary systems of medicine followed in India, which includes the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. In a first, the government will collate data on the use of Ayush-based therapies in India and the results are likely to be released by the end of the year.

"NSSO will survey 16,416 households across the country. The survey results are likely to be available by the end of this year," Kotecha said, adding that the findings will help the government assess the public interest in Ayush practices and further undertake policy interventions.

This initiative came alongside the launch of the first-of-its-kind WHO GLOBAL CENTRE FOR TRADITIONAL MEDICINE in Gujarat, where Narendra Modi was present along with WHO head, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesues ON April 21, 2022.

As per Kotecha, India is witnessing a very solid undercurrent of adoption of herbal medicines and practices, specially during and after the outbreak of the pandemic. He emphasized that according to the impact-assessment study, out of 1.37 crore respondents, 89.9% used Ayush practices.

Not only in terms of adoption, but the market value of Ayush-based products has also soared by six times in the last seven years.

More than 33.000 studies have been published in the Ayush's research portal. Hundreds of Ayush's studies were showcased at the WHO's repository of studies on Covid-19.

Kotecha added that the guidance of Narendra Modi, gave the right direction to the country to move ahead in a healthy way.

The alternative medicine and therapies are often criticized by the experts of modern medicines. It was added that this criticism has given Ayush ministry a positive chance to prove its effectiveness.

More than 33.000 studies have been published in the Ayush's research portal. Hundreds of Ayush's studies were showcased at the WHO's repository of studies on Covid-19.

Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jamnagar last week announced a special visa category to promote Ayush medical tourism with the theme "Heal in India".

It was informed that the ministry has also started in working on it and have started creating retreat campuses and yoga learning centres.

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