Over the past decade, the Ministry of Ayush (MoA) has emerged as a formidable pillar in India’s healthcare architecture, expanding preventive, promotive, and curative services through traditional systems of medicine while also positioning India as a global leader in wellness and holistic care. Under the Modi Government’s visionary leadership, Ayush has been integrated into mainstream healthcare, backed by scientific validation, institutional strengthening, and international outreach.
Institutional Framework for Quality and Outreach
The regulation of education and professional practice in Ayush rests on a robust statutory framework that ensures both academic rigor and professional integrity. This responsibility is shared between two apex bodies, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), which governs Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa systems, and the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). These commissions are empowered to design and update curricula, set minimum standards for educational institutions, accredit colleges, and oversee examinations to maintain a uniform benchmark of quality across the country. They also regulate licensure and professional conduct, ensuring that graduates entering the Ayush sector possess not only the theoretical knowledge but also the clinical competence and ethical grounding required to serve patients effectively. In doing so, they bridge the gap between India’s ancient healing traditions and the demands of modern healthcare, aligning Ayush education with global best practices and evidence-based approaches.
To complement this regulatory oversight, the Ministry of Ayush has established 12 National-level teaching institutes that serve as centres of excellence for education, research, and clinical services. These institutions offer a full academic spectrum, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs—alongside highly specialised training modules tailored for advanced practitioners. Equipped with NABH/NABL-accredited hospitals, they deliver both OPD (Outpatient) and IPD (Inpatient) services, ensuring that students gain hands-on clinical experience in accredited, quality-assured environments. Beyond their role in academic instruction, these institutes actively extend healthcare access to the community through health camps, rural outreach programmes, school health initiatives, and awareness drives. This dual focus on high-quality education and community service not only builds a skilled Ayush workforce but also strengthens the healthcare delivery network across the country, reflecting the Modi Government’s emphasis on accessible, inclusive, and preventive healthcare for all.
Scientific Validation and Research Expansion
To advance evidence-based practice and ensure the global credibility of Ayush systems, the Ministry of Ayush has established a network of five autonomous research councils that serve as the backbone of scientific innovation in traditional medicine. Each council specialises in a distinct domain—CCRAS for Ayurvedic Sciences with a vast presence through 30 institutes across India, CCRUM for Unani Medicine operating 21 dedicated centres, CCRH for Homoeopathy with 27 units and 6 specialised treatment centres, CCRS for Siddha Medicine with 9 peripheral institutes, and CCRYN for Yoga and Naturopathy managing 8 institutes, 10 wellness centres, and 10 Mind-Body Intervention hubs. These councils focus on rigorous clinical trials, drug standardisation, pharmacological research, and validation of treatment protocols to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies. They also publish peer-reviewed research, develop evidence-backed treatment guidelines, and collaborate with international institutions to elevate the credibility and acceptance of Ayush globally.
Beyond research, these councils are deeply engaged in socially inclusive healthcare delivery, ensuring that the benefits of Ayush reach the most marginalised sections of society. Flagship initiatives such as the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, Tribal Health Care Programme, and School Health Outreach directly address healthcare gaps in underserved regions. Through mobile clinical research units, free OPD/IPD services, and culturally tailored health awareness campaigns, they deliver both preventive and curative care to thousands every year. These targeted programmes not only improve access but also generate valuable public health data, reinforcing the role of Ayush in addressing regional health disparities. Under the Modi Government’s leadership, these research councils have transformed from being custodians of ancient wisdom into dynamic institutions driving innovation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness in holistic healthcare.
Pharmaceutical Excellence and Drug Standardisation
The Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (IMPCL), a premier Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Ayush, plays a vital role in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of high-quality Ayush medicines to both domestic and international markets. Established with the dual mandate of supporting public health programmes and promoting India’s traditional medicine sector, IMPCL manufactures a diverse range of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathic formulations in compliance with stringent quality standards. Its products cater not only to government healthcare institutions, including the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and State-run hospitals, but also to the growing export market where demand for authentic and scientifically validated Indian herbal products is rapidly increasing. By maintaining Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adopting modern production technology, IMPCL has positioned itself as a trusted supplier that upholds the credibility of Indian traditional medicines on the global stage, directly contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the healthcare sector.
Complementing IMPCL’s production role, the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) serves as the country’s apex authority for drug standardisation and quality assurance in the Ayush domain. Operating under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its associated rules, PCIM&H formulates and publishes official pharmacopoeias and formularies, setting uniform standards for the identity, purity, and strength of ASU&H medicines. It also functions as a central reference laboratory, conducting advanced analytical testing to verify the safety, efficacy, and authenticity of raw materials and finished products. The Commission works in close coordination with State Drug Regulatory Authorities, State Drug Testing Laboratories, and manufacturers, offering specialised training and technical support to strengthen the enforcement of quality norms. Through its rigorous standardisation protocols, PCIM&H not only safeguards public health but also enhances the scientific credibility and marketability of Indian traditional medicines, ensuring that they meet both national and international regulatory benchmarks.
Strengthening Ayush at State Level: National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM), a centrally sponsored flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ayush, serves as a critical driver for integrating traditional medicine into India’s broader public health framework. Implemented in partnership with State and Union Territory governments, NAM provides targeted financial assistance for upgrading infrastructure, enhancing human resources, and supporting the operational needs of Ayush facilities. This funding is allocated based on State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs), which are tailored to address region-specific healthcare gaps and priorities. By strengthening both standalone Ayush hospitals and co-located units within primary and community health centres, NAM ensures that traditional systems of medicine are seamlessly accessible alongside allopathic services, offering patients a wider range of safe, effective, and culturally acceptable treatment options.
One of the mission’s most significant contributions has been its impact on rural, tribal, and underserved populations, where access to quality healthcare is often limited. Through the establishment of new wellness centres, mobile medical units, and upgraded dispensaries, NAM has brought Ayush-based preventive and curative care closer to the doorstep of millions. This expansion not only promotes early intervention and lifestyle-based disease prevention but also helps reduce patient load on overburdened allopathic primary care facilities, freeing resources for acute and emergency cases. Furthermore, by supporting the recruitment and training of qualified Ayush practitioners, NAM has created sustainable employment opportunities while fostering local trust in indigenous healthcare systems. Under the Modi Government’s vision, NAM has evolved into a cornerstone programme that bridges modern and traditional medicine, contributing both to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and to the revival of India’s heritage of holistic healing.
Global Footprint: Ayush in Medical Value Travel
Recognising the unprecedented global demand for wellness-based, holistic healthcare, the Modi Government has strategically positioned Ayush as a core pillar of India’s medical tourism strategy. This forward-looking approach capitalises on India’s millennia-old expertise in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, blending it with modern hospitality and medical infrastructure to attract patients from across the world. A landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has formalised the integration of Ayush offerings—particularly Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy—into the mainstream Medical Value Travel (MVT) ecosystem. This collaboration ensures that wellness treatments are marketed globally as part of a complete medical tourism package, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the USD 100+ billion global MVT industry.
To further strengthen this ecosystem, the Ministry of Ayush has organised Medical Value Travel Summits in both the Western and Southern zones of India, fostering robust partnerships between state governments, industry leaders, healthcare providers, and international facilitators. These summits have acted as a platform to showcase India’s wellness infrastructure, highlight success stories, and explore collaborations for specialised Ayush-based treatment packages. In a groundbreaking step to simplify access, the government launched the Ayush Visa on 27 July 2023, creating a dedicated category for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush systems of medicine. Complementing this, the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, streamlines patient onboarding by ensuring only authorised and accredited wellness centres can invite genuine international patients. The portal allows registered hospitals and centres to issue pre-validated invitation and extension letters for Medical, Medical Attendant, and Ayush Attendant Visas, thereby safeguarding quality and authenticity. Together, these initiatives have not only enhanced India’s soft power in global healthcare diplomacy but have also positioned the country as the world’s foremost destination for authentic, science-backed holistic healing.
Capacity Building for a Skilled Ayush Workforce
To address the rapidly growing domestic and international demand for qualified Ayush professionals, the Ministry of Ayush has implemented a multi-tiered capacity-building strategy designed to develop skills, improve research capabilities, and strengthen global competitiveness. At the heart of this strategy is the Ayurgyan Scheme, launched in 2021–22, which focuses on Capacity Building and Continuing Medical Education (CME) for Ayush practitioners. This scheme provides structured training programmes that enable professionals to update their clinical knowledge, learn emerging techniques, and bridge skill gaps in both therapeutic and technical areas. Equally significant is the Promotion of International Cooperation Scheme, which facilitates the export of Ayush products and services, establishes Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign universities, organises workshops and symposia abroad, and strengthens India’s presence in the global wellness market. This not only opens new opportunities for Indian practitioners overseas but also fosters the exchange of knowledge and collaborative research with international institutions.
The Ministry has also empowered the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to run a suite of research-oriented capacity-building initiatives aimed at nurturing talent at every academic level. These include SPARK, which instills research aptitude in undergraduate Ayurveda students, PG Star for advanced research training at the postgraduate level, PhD and Post-Doctoral Fellowships for high-level academic inquiry, PRAYATNA for developing scientific writing skills among scholars, and ARMS (Ayurveda Research Methodology and Statistics) to build a strong foundation in research methodology and biostatistics. In parallel, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), in collaboration with the Central Health Education Bureau, has conducted National Level Master Training on Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for Ayush physicians across all States and Union Territories. This ensures uniformity in clinical practices, improves patient safety, and promotes evidence-based treatment protocols nationwide. Collectively, these initiatives reflect the Modi Government’s commitment to building a highly skilled, research-oriented Ayush workforce capable of delivering quality care at home and showcasing India’s holistic healthcare expertise to the world.
PCIM&H regularly trains state drug regulators and analysts in advanced lab methods to ensure the quality and compliance of ASU&H drugs. Workshops, seminars, and technical training are conducted at national institutes and research councils to continuously upgrade professional skills.
Impact and Strategic Significance
Healthcare Reach: With over 100+ national institutes, specialised research councils, and state-of-the-art wellness centres, Ayush services have achieved true pan-India penetration. Special emphasis has been placed on rural, tribal, and geographically remote regions where conventional allopathic facilities are often limited. Mobile Ayush clinics, community wellness outreach programs, and telemedicine integration are bridging access gaps, ensuring that indigenous healthcare reaches millions of citizens who were earlier underserved.
International Recognition: Ayush has moved from being a domestic heritage practice to a globally recognised healthcare system. Over 30 countries now acknowledge Ayush modalities through formal MoUs, structured training exchanges, and inclusion in their healthcare frameworks. Global demand for Ayush-based therapies and products is growing rapidly, aided by the WHO’s endorsement of traditional medicine and India’s establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat. These developments are positioning India as a leading exporter of holistic wellness solutions.
Economic Contribution: The Ayush industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India’s wellness economy, witnessing sustained double-digit growth. Contributing substantially to the USD 9 billion national wellness market, Ayush entrepreneurship is creating new jobs in herbal manufacturing, wellness tourism, nutraceuticals, and digital health platforms. Government-led initiatives such as the Ayush Export Promotion Council and Start-up incubation support are helping MSMEs tap into global demand for natural, plant-based, and preventive healthcare products.
Public Health Integration: Ayush is becoming an integral part of India’s preventive and promotive healthcare strategy. Lifestyle-based interventions like Yoga, Naturopathy, Ayurveda regimens, and dietary protocols are being mainstreamed into public health programs to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Schools, workplaces, and community health centres are adopting Ayush-based wellness modules to encourage healthier living. The integration of Ayush with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is enabling early risk detection, personalised preventive plans, and reduced healthcare costs through natural interventions.
Modi Government’s Visionary Approach
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a steadfast advocate of India’s traditional knowledge systems, repositioning Ayush from a supplementary healthcare option into a strategic pillar of both national health policy and India’s soft power diplomacy. His leadership has transformed initiatives like the International Day of Yoga into globally recognised platforms for wellness diplomacy, engaging millions across continents each year. Ayush has been woven into major global forums, including the G20 Health Tracks, where India has championed the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream health discourse. This has elevated holistic health from being a niche interest to becoming a central theme in international healthcare cooperation. The government’s approach—blending policy reform, targeted research investments, and skill development initiatives—has ensured that Ayush is no longer confined to heritage preservation but is a modern, scalable, and globally marketable healthcare model.
Under the Modi Government, the Ministry of Ayush has undergone a remarkable transformation—from safeguarding ancient practices to driving modernisation, integration, and global leadership. Institutional frameworks have been strengthened with new regulatory bodies, quality assurance protocols, and accreditation systems that match international standards. Scientific validation through evidence-based research has given Ayush therapies greater credibility, fostering trust among both domestic and international patients. International outreach, facilitated through bilateral MoUs, wellness tourism programmes, and export promotion, has positioned Ayush as a core driver of India’s healthcare resilience. In an era where the world is seeking preventive, sustainable, and wellness-based solutions, India stands uniquely placed to lead. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern science, Ayush is poised to guide the global health community toward a more balanced, cost-effective, and sustainable model of healthcare—one that addresses not just disease, but the deeper pursuit of human well-being.
