Appreciating the recognition given to the Ayush system in the draft Health Policy released by the Union health ministry recently, the Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI), on behalf of the ayurvedic fraternity in the country, has sought more attention to the clinical side of the system in all healthcare schemes.

Analysing the draft, the organisation gives more emphasize to Para-4.3 which states that Ayush services will be mainstreamed and will be an integral part while organising national healthcare services. Also, patients should have the option to choose the Ayush system of his choice and be delivered as a matter of right in health institutions by creating appropriate infrastructure.

Dr D Ramanathan, general secretary of the organisation said there are some areas which have to be focussed more and need immediate attention. For example, the area of ‘mental health’. It is claimed in the letter that Ayurveda has time tested practices and therapies to provide palliation from mental disorders without causing permanent impact to the psychic condition of the patients.  The role of Ayush has to be highlighted here, he demands. According to him, the ayurvedic fraternity in the country includes ayurvedic practitioners, scholars, teachers, drug manufacturers, and researchers, and the emphasise given to the traditional sector will help for the development of Ayush.

It has been requested to the government that in the area of urban healthcare, the potentials of Ayush should be included. The system has envisaged conditions of occupational hazards and urban life related ailments and has standard practices to deal with them. Regarding primary services, more specific statement should be made based on the proven capabilities of Ayush to provide cost effective and accessible cure.

In managing non-communicable diseases, Ayush has proven capabilities. More specific policy statements should be made in areas of non-communicable and life-style related ailments.

While briefing Pharmabiz, he said Ayush is a sector which needs immediate and appropriate support from the government to enhance and expand its time tested knowledge-base by undertaking research activities with the active and understanding support of the principles and methods of modern science and technology. This applies to all segments of Ayush including clinical, drug and raw material.  This should be made an important component of the policy statement with a view to empowering the government’s plan for managing public health.