Ayurveda: Regulation of this alternate system of medicine is urgently needed on many fronts; here is why

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Issues related to health sector

Source: DTE

 Context: The article highlights the need to regulate the CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) system of medicine in India.

Alternative medicine in India:

• AYUSH – Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy – is now seeing a surge in demand as a result of growing public awareness, usefulness, effectiveness, increased government backing and expanding R&D.
• AYUSH is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period of 2022–2027.
• India is currently one of the top exporters (US, Germany and France are major export destinations) of alternative medicines worldwide.

Necessity of CAM:

• Higher incidence of disease owing to pollution, stress and poor lifestyles.
• Integration of AYUSH to advance universal healthcare and guarantee the quality, safety, and efficacy of such treatments (The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023).

Issues associated with CAM:

• A dramatic increase in the use since Covid-19, as a result of unprecedented interest in ‘immunity boosters’ as a protective measure.
• Contrary to popular belief, Ayurvedic medicines can have side effects, as all ‘natural substances’ are not safe for consumption.
• Use of non-plant materials and illegal addition of allopathic medicines.
• Lack of regulatory mechanism and rising number of quacks.
• Absence of a standard composition of AYUSH medicines.

What needs to be done?

• Regulation to ensure safety and efficacy
• Checking therapeutic claims
• Proper labelling of ingredients

Steps taken by the government:

• A dedicated – Ministry of AYUSH – created in 2014
• A scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals
• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
• A Central Sector Scheme for promotion of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) in AYUSH
• A Central Sector Scheme for promotion of International Cooperation

Conclusion: Unless and until these drugs are investigated on scientific lines, control is not feasible. The need of the hour is to build on different systems that allow people informed choices and a level playing field.

Insta Links:

Ayush System – Way Forward

Mains Links:

Q. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (UPSC 2020)