Ayurveda's Evolution into a Multifaceted Healthcare and Economic Powerhouse
Nagpur: Ayurveda, once confined to traditional clinical settings, has now blossomed into a dynamic force driving healthcare delivery, nutrition security, entrepreneurial ventures, and medicinal plant cultivation. This transformative shift was the central theme at the recent Advantage Vidarbha conclave, where industry leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of this ancient science.
Unprecedented Global Recognition and Responsibility
Addressing a key session, Manisha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicines (NCISM), emphasized that ayurveda currently enjoys unprecedented global recognition. This places a significant responsibility on India to enhance standards, ethics, and innovation within the field. Kothekar referenced the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in Delhi last year, noting that ayurveda was at the forefront of global attention, particularly among nations in Asia and Africa.
"The world is watching, and we must ensure that ayurveda's growth is rooted in quality and integrity," Kothekar stated, highlighting the critical need for robust frameworks to support this expansion.
Strengthening Education, Ethics, and Regulation
Kothekar detailed the efforts of NCISM, established in 2022, which is actively working to improve quality education, ethical practice, and regulatory mechanisms. "Promoting ethical practitioners while curbing unethical practices remains a major challenge, and we are dedicated to addressing it through comprehensive strategies," she explained. She also pointed to the expanding role of the Ayush ministry, which has seen increased budgetary support, global promotion initiatives, and assistance to colleges and institutions.
Industry's Pivotal Role in Advancement
The chairperson underscored the indispensable role of the industry in propelling ayurveda forward across three key levels:
- Strengthening Ayurvedic Pharmacies: Ensuring district-level availability of ayurvedic medicines and standardized pharmacies to significantly improve patient compliance and trust.
- Developing Medical Instrumentation: Creating appropriate tools for panchakarma and traditional therapies to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Ensuring Quality Cultivation: Promoting sustainable and ethical cultivation of medicinal plants to secure raw material supply chains.
"By focusing on these areas, we can build a resilient ayurvedic ecosystem that meets modern healthcare demands," Kothekar asserted.
Ayurveda as a Holistic, Preventive Science
Sameer Jamadagni of Shree Vishwamrut Ayurvedic Chikitsalay & Panchakarma Kendra stressed that ayurveda must be understood as a lifelong, preventive, and holistic science. Its foundations lie in childhood nutrition, disciplined living, and ethical practice. Jamadagni highlighted medicinal farming as a foundational pillar, warning that neglecting principles of sustainability and ethics could adversely affect both farmers and healthcare outcomes.
"Ayurveda's adaptability across regions and cultures is its greatest strength, provided we preserve its core principles from classical texts," he remarked, calling for stronger government recognition, structured education from early levels, and community awareness to foster demand-driven growth for ayurvedic healthcare and products.
Building a Sustainable Future for Ayurveda
The conclave concluded with a consensus on the need for collaborative efforts between government, industry, and practitioners to harness ayurveda's full potential. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation, ayurveda is poised to not only enhance global health but also contribute significantly to economic development and environmental sustainability through ethical practices and medicinal plant cultivation.
