In a bid to make Ayurvedic science and its practitioners competent enough to survive in the international market, the representatives of the Confederation of Ayurvedic Renaissance (Keralam) Pvt Ltd (CARE - Keralam) project has submitted a proposal to the government requesting to upgrade the Ayurvedic education system in the country.

The proposal was highlighted during the meeting conducted by Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association in Mumbai recently. The CARE Keralam representatives had sought for better training of Ayurvedic doctors and the paramedical staff and also some change in the course pursued by the latter. There was also a request to add information about Ayurveda in the school and college syllabus.

"The doctors need to be competent enough to address the needs of the international market and for that constant up gradation of their knowledge is necessary. So we have asked the government through the Department of AYUSH to conduct regular Continuing Medical Education (CME's). This would help in upgrading their standards," said a source.

He said, that apart from the doctors it was vital to train the paramedical staff too if the ancient medical science had to be well known or accepted internationally. Hence there were also requests to bring about a change in the course syllabus followed by the students who pursue Ayurvedic paramedical courses.

"There is a necessity to provide proper training to the paramedical staff in the field of Ayurveda. Moreover, only if more scientific oriented aspects are included in the syllabus, can new Ayurvedic dosages be developed. Even the masseurs should know what is the benefit of doing massage in a particular part of the body etc, and for that basic education about Ayurveda treatment should be given to them," informed the source.

He said, that through the CARE Kerlam project, the up gradation of medicine production can be improved and there was request to consider the project as a vital one. "We are planning to have latest equipments for production, packing and other aspects related to the manufacture of medicines. So the Small Scale Industries can use them and bring out quality medicines standardized by the quality control labs proposed as part of the project. By such measures the Ayurvedic medicines can be exported without any issue," said the source.

Speaking about creating awareness about Ayurveda, he said, that it was essential that people should know about the ancient science for them to be attracted towards it. He wanted the people to know about the efficacy of the medicinal science that is a part and parcel of the Indian tradition.

"The total ayurvedic market is 70 to 80 billion US dollars and our share is just 1 per cent. Whereas we have a potential to curb at least 25 per cent as we are the head quarters of Ayurveda. If such measures are implemented then Ayurveda will grow by itself," said the source.

Speaking about the acceptance of CARE Keralam project in the 11th plan, he said, that AYUSH was considering having two or three pilot projects and since this project was the only detailed one, there were chances that it would be considered.