Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicine, has been in practice for close to three millennia. Even today, this ancient system serves the health-care needs of millions of Indians. The adaptation of a traditional knowledge-system for current use comes with its challenges which needs to be acknowledged and resolved. Discuss.

Topic:  Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

3. Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicine, has been in practice for close to three millennia. Even today, this ancient system serves the health-care needs of millions of Indians. The adaptation of a traditional knowledge-system for current use comes with its challenges which needs to be acknowledged and resolved. Discuss. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: A recent article in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics has renewed the plea to reform and update Ayurveda. Titled “Confessions of an Ayurveda Professor”, the article is authored by Kishor Patwardhan, a faculty member of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Prof. Patwardhan has candidly admitted that the anatomy and physiology contained in the Ayurvedic classics is mostly outdated and that the official approach to this subject is misguided.

Key Demand of the question: To write about the development of Ayurveda, its significance, challenges and ways to overcome them.

Directive word: 

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by briefly mentioning about the extent of Ayurveda.

Body:

First, write about the origins of Ayurveda system over the ancient and medieval times. It growth and development over the years. 

Next, write about the various challenges associated with Ayurveda.

Next, suggest ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.