The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) under the Department of AYUSH, in association with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, has successfully developed automated Pancha Karma treatment equipments.

Significantly, the development is likely to catapult the quality, standards and service delivery of the many-century old Panchakarma treatment methods, and may open up huge potential in the field of health tourism.

Disclosing this exclusively to Pharmabiz in Chennai recently, G S Lavekar, director, CCRAS and Dr. S K Sharma, advisor (Ayurveda), Government of India, said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed between CCRAS and IIT Delhi about eights months ago. Prototype of the fully computerized multipurpose laser beam-guided 'Dhara Yanthra' has been developed, and will be ready for technology transfer by June or July, this year. The laser beam-guided equipment does not require human intervention at any stage of the dhara process, which can be precisely done anywhere in the body with this novel technology.

Similarly, the partners have developed fully automated steam bath equipment, with provision for controlling the level of steam, temperature, bathing and medicated steam therapy, as demanded by the panchakarma specialist. It also has an innovated liquid soap shower bath facility, to provide a completely hygienic and human intervention free treatment process. The product is being fine-tuned by the developers.

Another significant achievement is in preparation of Ksharasuthra, for treating piles, fistula etc. In the usual practice, it is a minimally invasive para surgical procedure, and very often, the insertion latex coated with the medicated concoction gets dried and needs recoating. Also, there were chances of microbial infection. In the computer-assisted Ksharasuthra preparation, coating is done uniformly and the treatment process is done with computer assistance, minimizing human intervention. This product also will be ready for technology transfer within two to three months.

The top officials said it was early to decide on the price for the computerized Panchakarma equipments. "It is too early to decide on the price. The help of technology in Panchakarma treatment will help a lot in projecting the standards of our Ayurvedic treatment globally. This could be leveraged by the health tourism segment as well," noted Dr. S K Sharma.