India’s traditional Ayurvedic medicine is poised for a global expansion, a point underscored by the “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health” theme of Ayurveda Day 2024, celebrated in 150 countries. This expanding global influence is propelled by diplomacy, trade, and the increasing diaspora of Indian and South Asian communities who have carried these healing traditions with them.
In today’s diverse healthcare landscape, where allopathic medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine coexist, Ayurveda offers valuable contributions to medical pluralism, decolonizing health, and strategic health diplomacy.
However, to solidify its place in global healthcare, Ayurveda needs to move beyond mere acceptance as a legitimate practice in India and gain glob
al recognition as a credible medical system. The Ministry of AYUSH, spearheading this effort through institutions like the All India Institute of Ayurveda, is working towards this goal. Crucially, Ayurvedic products should be positioned as therapeutic medicines, subject to rigorous regulatory standards like the Therapeutic Goods Administration, rather than simply as alternative supplements.
The “Ayurveda Aahar” initiative, defining food based on ancient Ayurvedic texts, lacks a strong scientific foundation. The World Health Assembly resolution (WHA 56.31), recognizing the role of traditional systems, aims to establish global standards and practices for therapies like Ayurveda.
The success of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a valuable model. In Australia, TCM enjoys national registration and regulation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This framework, ensuring high safety and training standards for practitioners, has led toTCM’s acceptance in 183 nations, providing a roadmap for the Ministry of AYUSH.
Ayurveda’s global acceptance hinges on embracing evidence-informed medicine and standardization. This approach relies on transparent, rigorously tested practices to ensure patient safety and quality care. Ayurveda, known for its individualized treatment plans, needs to incorporate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a cornerstone of evidence-based practice. Establishing a comprehensive RCT database and leveraging Cochrane systematic reviews would significantly enhance Ayurveda’s credibility globally.
Ayurveda’s strengths lie in preventive healthcare and self-care practices, areas that should be emphasized. Focusing on these core principles avoids diverting resources towards controversial practices like Ayurvedic surgery and risks diluting Ayurveda’s unique value by aiming to directly compete with modern medicine.
While the Ministry of AYUSH has signed MoUs with numerous countries, promoting Ayurveda through health diplomacy requires scientific rigor rather than nationalistic rhetoric. Focusing on credible scientific pathways is essential to showcase Ayurveda as a reliable medical knowledge system.
Ayurveda’s global contributions must be realistic in the context of the rapid evolution of healthcare. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, telemedicine, and assistive health technologies, are revolutionizing healthcare. Ayurveda must align itself with contemporary science to address health issues like non-communicable diseases, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, and geriatric care.
Ayurveda Day highlighted the integration of Ayurveda with modern science, including digital initiatives like the Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and the Namaste Portal, which increase public access to Ayurvedic knowledge. The Ministry of AYUSH is also engaging startups and industry players to bring Ayurveda to the forefront of health innovation.
Ultimately, Ayurveda’s global aspirations depend on the Ministry of AYUSH prioritizing science-based training and practice. Cultivating advanced health diplomacy skills will enable Ayurveda to achieve realistic recognition in the global health arena. Only a science-driven, evidence-informed approach can ensure Ayurveda’s enduring place in global healthcare, steering clear of unsubstantiated nationalistic narratives.