Traditional Medicines: Relevance & Challenges

• Traditional medicine, practised in 88% of WHO member-states, serves as primary healthcare for billions. Its affordability and accessibility make it vital, especially in low- and middle-income nations.

What are Traditional Medicines?

• Traditional Medicines are age-old healthcare practices using cultural knowledge and natural resources to prevent, treat, and maintain health. They emphasize holistic well-being and locally available remedies.

Global Traditional Medicine Market

• Global Market: Traditional medicine projected to reach $583 billion by 2025.
• China Share: The Traditional Chinese medicine sector is valued at $122.4 billion.
• Australia Growth: The Herbal medicine industry is worth $3.97 billion.
• India AYUSH: Ayurveda and related systems valued at $43.4 billion.

India’s Traditional Medicine Sector

• Enterprise Growth: The AYUSH industry, with 92,000+ MSMEs, has expanded eightfold in the past decade.
• Manufacturing Revenue: Sector revenues surged from ₹21,697 crore (2014-15) to ₹1.37 lakh crore today.
• Services Expansion: The AYUSH services sector now generates ₹1.67 lakh crore annually.
• Export Reach: India exports $1.54 billion worth of AYUSH and herbal products to 150+ countries.
• Widespread Awareness: NSSO survey shows 95% rural and 96% urban awareness of AYUSH.
• User Adoption: Over 50% of the population used AYUSH in the past year, with Ayurveda as the preferred choice for preventive and rejuvenative care.

Significance of Traditional Medicine Beyond Treatment

• Bio Conservation: AYUSH relies on 7,000+ medicinal plants, promoting conservation of biodiversity.
• Nutrition Security: Ayurveda-based nutraceuticals contribute to a $10 billion Indian market.
• Livelihood Support: The Medicinal plant sector employs 1.5 million rural households in India.
• Global Trade: India’s AYUSH exports reached $1.54 billion to 150+ countries (MoA).
• Cultural Soft Power: Ayurveda and Yoga are recognised globally, with 43 AYUSH Information Cells abroad.

Key Drivers of Traditional Medicine Relevance

• Cultural Acceptance: Deep-rooted use across India and 88% of WHO member-states ensures widespread familiarity.
• Preventive Focus: Emphasis on holistic and preventive healthcare aligns with modern wellness trends.
• Global Demand: AYUSH exports at $1.54 billion reflect rising international interest in natural remedies.
• Government Support: Initiatives like Ministry of AYUSH, National AYUSH Mission, and international collaborations strengthen adoption.
• Scientific Integration: Research, clinical validation, and AI-enabled tools enhance credibility and modern applicability.

Scientific Validation & Global Expansion of Traditional Medicine in India

• Research Investment: India funds institutions like All India Institute of Ayurveda, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, and the National Institute of Ayurveda for clinical validation and drug standardisation.
• Integrative Care: Develops integrative care models that combine traditional knowledge with modern medical practices.
• Global Outreach: Ministry of AYUSH signed 25 bilateral agreements and 52 institutional partnerships to promote Ayurveda internationally (PIB).
• Information Cells: 43 AYUSH Information Cells established across 39 countries to disseminate authentic knowledge (PIB).
• Academic Chairs: 15 academic chairs positioned in foreign universities to promote AYUSH education and research globally (PIB).
• WHO Centre: WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India uses modern science, digital health, and AI for validation.
• AI Integration: WHO highlights AI-enabled big-data analytics to enhance predictive care and strengthen clinical validation in Ayurveda.

Challenges Associated

• Trust Deficit: Around 40–50% of people doubt Ayurveda’s effectiveness due to limited scientific proof.
• Validation Gap: Few AYUSH treatments have been tested adequately with modern clinical trials.
• Education Shortfalls: Many AYUSH colleges offer poor training, affecting the quality of over 90,000 practitioners.
• Integration Limits: Traditional medicine is used in only 60–70% of primary-care cases and is poorly linked with allopathy.
• R&D Shortage: Limited funding and low private investment hinder AYUSH research despite $1.54 billion in exports.

Way Forward

• Research & Validation: Use AI, big data, and the WHO Jamnagar centre to validate AYUSH practices clinically.
• Education Upgradation: Modernise AYUSH curricula in 800+ colleges, aligning with the WHO 2023–2032 strategy.
• Integrated Healthcare: Create protocols for AYUSH–allopathy collaboration in chronic and lifestyle disease care.
• Global Branding: Promote Ayurveda under Ayurveda for People & Planet, linking with SDGs 3 & 15.
• Digital Expansion: Leverage eSanjeevani to extend AYUSH via telehealth domestically and globally.
• Investment Push: Scale ₹2.67 lakh crore AYUSH sector with PPPs, R&D incentives, and global export tie-ups.

India’s traditional medicine, rooted in civilizational wisdom, aligns health with nature; scientific validation and global integration position Ayurveda and AYUSH as India’s gift to world healthcare. “Ayurveda is not just a medical system; it is a way of life” — PM Modi.

Reference: The Hindu

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 352

Q. India’s traditional medicine sector holds global potential but faces structural challenges in credibility and integration with modern healthcare. Examine and suggest a policy roadmap to strengthen the sector. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Write a contextual introduction for the traditional medicine sector by mentioning the key fact.
• Body: Write the global potential of India’s traditional medicine sector, structural challenges, and suggest a policy roadmap to strengthen the sector.
• Conclusion: Emphasis on ‘One World for Health’ through research, integration, & evidence-based practices.