Recent developments and initiatives taken by government to ayurveda under ministry of ayush

Abstract

Ayurveda, which means "True knowledge of life" in Sanskrit, is a self-sustainable system of medicine. The Government of India, through its Ministry of AYUSH, is responsible for developing policies and implementing programs for the growth, development, and propagation of Ayurveda. This review aimed to highlight government policies and initiatives for the development of Ayurveda. Various books, policy documents, annual reports, and ancient Ayurvedic literature were critically reviewed, and data was recorded from the Ministry of AYUSH, National Medicinal Plant Board, and Central Council for Research on Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), and AYUSH research portal websites. The vision of the ministry is to position AYUSH systems as the preferred systems for attaining a healthy nation. The ministry has identified its mission in terms of seven broad thematic functional areas of AYUSH activities, including education and communication, human resource development, drug administration, medicinal plants, research and development, international collaborations, and AYUSH services. Various programs have been implemented to increase the visibility, acceptability, and usage of Ayurveda, integrating it into the health system. Strategies are being taken up to promote Ayurveda globally through AYUSH clusters, focusing on safety, efficacy, quality aspects, and rational use of Ayurveda. In conclusion, the government is taking firm steps towards promoting and developing Ayurveda, with a focus on research and development for the validation of Ayurveda.