The Kerala branch of the Ayurvedic Medical Association of India (AMAI) has asked the two major political fronts in Kerala, one led by the Congress and the other led by CPIM, to include major issues and solutions of the ISM industry in their manifestos for the forthcoming Assembly elections, which are scheduled for April 13. The Kerala AMAI has submitted a memorandum to the two fronts in this regard.

The memorandum says about the issues encountered by the ISM industry and the professionals, and puts forth apt solutions to attain growth, promotion and dignity for the alternative medicines which are deeply rooted in Kerala. Kerala is the only state where ayurveda system is being practised in its original form, hence it has special significance compared to other states.

To its credit, Kerala has a lot of institutions, hospitals and professionals engaged in the research and treatment of ayurveda and they are contributing so much for the development of this system. But still there are unsolved issues which need to be considered for the overall development of the state’s healthcare system, AMAI said.

The first and foremost among the demands AMAI has made in the memorandum is that the next Kerala government must commence the operation of Ayush department in Kerala. The department furnishes several centrally sponsored schemes for the promotion and propagation of Indian systems of medicines and homeopathy. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, AP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, HP and Uttaranjal have already commenced the operation of Ayush and these states have brought in plenty of central aids for various healthcare projects. The association says that it is high time the Ayush department started in Kerala as the state is generally known as the hub of ayurveda.

The members of AMAI allege that though Kerala has a prominent place in the field of ayurveda, it cannot use the potential of the traditional system to contain the growth of lifestyle diseases and other seasonal epidemics. Kerala should be an example to other states in the promotion of ayurveda which is possible through the implementation of Ayush department.

In the case of geriatric healthcare, ayurveda can provide treatment for various ailments, but it has not got a place in the healthcare schemes adopted by government for the purpose of old age people. The memorandum also demands for the system to get a deserving place in the insurance schemes implemented for the welfare of the poor people.

The association wants the political leaders that the next government should take some welfare measures like central scale salary to government ayurvedic doctors and opening of ayurvedic dispensaries in rural PHCs as designed by NRHM schemes. Further, the state drugs control department for ayurveda should be developed into an independent body with independent powers. The intricacies faced by the manufacturers in the collection of herbs and plants should be addressed by providing all kinds of assistances.

The ayurvedic medical association also wants for the establishment of a paramedical council to train the paramedical staff in the sector.