Parl Panel pitches for Ayush system of medicine during pandemic

A Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare has admitted that the pandemic which has caused havoc the world over, provided a golden opportunity for the Ayush systems to emerge as a strong alternative system of medicine.

New Delhi: A Parliamentary Committee on Health and Family Welfare has admitted that the pandemic which has caused havoc the world over, provided a golden opportunity for the Ayush systems to emerge as a strong alternative system of medicine.

The committee, however, said that the Ayush ministry should focus on standardisation of quality of healthcare services, quality control of drugs, strengthening of drug testing laboratories, pharmacies and improving the quality of education in the country so as to position Ayush as a true alternative system of medicine.

"The different initiatives by the Ayush Ministry have not only generated genuine interest in the Indian system of medicine but also has gained trust from the public. Renewed interest in the Ayush has led the country on the path of rediscovering the glorious past," the Parliamentary Committee headed by Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav said.

The submission of the committee assumes significance following the fact that modern medicine practitioners have been opposing the Ayush form of medicine to fight pandemic. Earlier, government's initiative of mixing different forms of medical practice also raised huge controversy.

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The committee also takes note of the efforts being made by the ministry to increase the presence of Ayush systems in public health which includes creating Indian medicine departments in defence and railway hospitals and granting soft loans and subsidies for the establishment of private hospitals and clinics for alternative system besides setting up world-class institutes for both teaching and research in Ayush system.

"It's high time the Ayush system is encouraged by recognising its importance and allocating adequate funds for its development and strengthening to enable it to regain its lost glory," the panel said in its report.

The panel also said that there have been doubts and questions regarding the efficacy of the Indian system of medicine. "Even though the popularity and presence of the Ayush system is increasing, the need of the hour is to lay focus on standardisation of academic courses and scientific validation of the indigenous system," the panel added.

The committee also recommended that the ministry must devise concrete strategy to address the issues of the practice of the Ayush by quacks that have eroded the faith of the public in the system. "The ministry may also study and take advantage of the Chinese experience of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with the modern system of medicine," the Parliamentary panel said.

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Referring to the budgetary allocation for the Ayush ministry, the Parliamentary panel expressed its serious concern over the sharp shortfall in the allocation of the Ministry as compared to the projected demand.

The projected demand of the ministry of Ayush was Rs 5,435.55 crore for 2021-22 against which an allocation of Rs 2,970.30 crore has been made, thus leaving a shortfall of Rs 2,465.25 crore.