Perspective- Heal in India | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• India has become a significant center for Medical Tourism in Asia, with a growing market size in the AYUSH sector.
• The government has introduced the 'Heal in India' program to enhance Medical Tourism.
• Prime Minister Modi announced plans for an 'AYUSH mark' to authenticate Indian AYUSH products.
• A special visa category will be available for those seeking AYUSH therapies in India.

Role of AYUSH in realizing the dream of 'New India'

• Initiatives include establishing AYUSH wings in defense and railway hospitals.
• Soft loans and subsidies will support the creation of private AYUSH hospitals and clinics.
• Institutes of excellence in teaching and research in AYUSH are being set up.
• 12,500 AYUSH health and wellness centers are planned under the Ayushman Bharat mission.
• AYUSH offers a diverse scheme of health services that can contribute to the vision of 'New India.'
• AYUSH helps address the shortage of doctors in India and emphasizes preventive healthcare.
• The industry may create millions of jobs by 2020 and boost medical tourism.

Challenges faced

• AYUSH is not fully integrated into mainstream medicine, leading to issues in its acceptance.
• AYUSH faces a status gap due to issues like dishonest practices and inadequate perception.
• Historical attempts at integration have faced obstacles from various stakeholders.
• Challenges include maintaining quality standards, lack of human resources, and under-utilized infrastructure.

Way forward

• Focus on scientific evidence for the safety and effectiveness of AYUSH practices.
• Capacity building and training of professionals in the AYUSH sector are crucial.
• Efforts towards true integration of traditional and modern systems are needed.
• Standardization, regulation, and delineation of roles are essential for effective integration.
• Addressing philosophical divergences and promoting research into AYUSH techniques are key steps.
• An integrated framework should combine modern and traditional systems effectively.
• Developing a plan for seamless integration is vital for achieving universal healthcare goals.