Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) is all set to create a pool of Ayurveda therapists through its in-house comprehensive re-orientation training programmes. Therapists can be suitably employed in Ayurveda wellness centres across India which are on massive expansion mode.

The Foundation’s dedicated educational arm, the Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (IAIM) has taken a major initiative in imparting the training. It has designed programmes for a duration of six months and a couple of short term courses to provide candidates an in-depth understanding of Ayurveda and yoga shastras. It expects the training arm to assume key role in this area and become a major source of growth.

The six months practical theory course on advanced applications of good clinical practices in Ayurveda and Yoga Shastras is specially for doctors. These will cover practices for Ayurveda Wellness Centres, Ayurveda Wing of Allopathic Hospitals, Ayurveda Urban Clinics and Ayurveda Maternity Care and Women’s Health Centre

Its short-term certificate course for doctors covers Panchakarma Therapy & Yoga, Ayurveda Pharmacy and Ayurveda Nursing.

In addition, there are also courses sponsored by the Department of Ayush for FRLHT to train the Ayurveda College Teaching Faculty of Dravyaguna which is specifically deals with medicinal plants. Besides, short-term courses to self-help groups ( SHG's) and non-governmental organizations(NGOs) on general awareness and hands-on-training are being are offered.

“Although it is difficult to estimate the availability of Ayurveda therapists and their shortfall, we are aware of the increasing need for trained experts and paramedical professionals who could implement the prescribed methods of treatment made by the doctors. These courses will enable the paramedics to work as effective and efficient members of integrative healthcare teams,” Dr GG Gangadharan, joint director, Traditional System of Medicine, FRLHT told Pharmabiz.

FRLHT has already trained 30 therapists who have been suitably placed in the industry. The future of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) in India hold immense promise. These systems have played a pivotal role in treating chronic and acute diseases. The cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, efficacy and fewer side-effects make these as viable alternatives to modern medicine. Therefore, the only way to increase these practices is to train the human resources, said Dr Gangadharan.

The Union government has also increased its allocation to the Ayush sector from Rs 1,200 crore during the 10th Plan to Rs 4,000 crore under the 11th Plan. It is expected to increase to Rs 6,000 crore under the 12th Plan. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has also incorporated Ayush into its scheme. This kind of support and importance has never been shown to the sector, he added.

Globally, Indian Ayurveda drugs are well-known, but there is a need for a recognized regulatory framework at the national level. Ayush drugs have been accepted in Romania, Russia and Malaysia. In 2008-09, the Indian Ayush industry with 9,000 units registered a turnover of Rs 6,000 crore of which exports accounted for Rs 1,500 crore.

The biggest driver of the sector will be the services like Panchakarma, wellness centres, spas and treatment units run by the industry players. In the last two years there has been a huge increase in the number of such centres across India. The leading names include HLL’s Ayush, Birla Kerala Vaidyashala Ayurveda Therapy centre, Soukya, Kerala Ayurveda Limited, Sanjeevani Ayurveda &Yoga Centre and AyurVaid Hospitals. But, qualified and trained personnel are in short supply and this is where FRLHT comes in the picture, said Dr Gangadharan.