The AYUSH sector has grown exponentially, with the manufacturing value of AYUSH-based products skyrocketing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today. This eightfold increase is a testament to India’s leadership in holistic healthcare.
In the last decade, India’s traditional medical systems, particularly Unani medicine, have witnessed an unprecedented global resurgence. This transformation has been fueled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, strategic policy interventions, and the post-Covid recognition of holistic healthcare. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH and the global celebration of International Yoga Day stand as milestones in this journey, placing India at the forefront of integrative medicine.
The AYUSH Revolution: From Margins to Mainstream
The AYUSH sector has grown exponentially, with the manufacturing value of AYUSH-based products skyrocketing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today. This eightfold increase is a testament to India’s leadership in holistic healthcare. The 2017 National Health Policy introduced integrative healthcare, blending Unani, Ayurveda, and allopathy, creating a robust medical ecosystem that emphasizes both prevention and cure.
Unani Medicine’s Role in Global Healthcare
The resurgence of Unani medicine, particularly post-Covid, highlights India’s strategic investment in traditional knowledge. During the pandemic, global demand for Unani and Ayurvedic formulations surged, reinforcing the credibility of these systems in immunity-building and disease management. Unani medicine, with its roots in ancient Persian, Greek, and Indian traditions, has now evolved into a research-driven field, making India a hub for Unani medical studies and academic tourism.
Innovation and Technology: Blending Tradition with Science
India is pioneering a new era where traditional knowledge is seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Genomics are revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment methodologies in Unani medicine. AI-driven predictive models are enhancing patient care, while gene therapy innovations are paving the way for personalized medicine. The development of India’s first DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine underscores the nation’s ability to combine ancient wisdom with scientific breakthroughs.
India: The Global Hub for Holistic Medical Education
India’s academic institutions are now attracting students and researchers from across the globe, positioning the country as a leader in holistic medicine education. With postgraduate courses in Unani medicine available in Hyderabad and Srinagar, India is driving academic tourism and fostering international collaborations in research and healthcare.
Policy Roadmap for the Future
To sustain and expand this momentum, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
Strengthening Research and Development: Establishing global research centers dedicated to evidence-based studies on Unani and other traditional medicines.
Regulatory Reforms: Standardizing AYUSH medicine practices in alignment with global benchmarks to facilitate wider acceptance.
Expanding Digital Integration: Leveraging AI and blockchain for transparent, efficient, and scalable healthcare solutions.
Boosting Medical and Academic Tourism: Creating world-class infrastructure for traditional medicine education and holistic wellness retreats.
India’s leadership in integrative healthcare is not just a revival of ancient traditions but a forward-looking approach to global health challenges. A truly ‘Viksit Bharat’ must be built on the foundation of a healthy India, where ancient wisdom meets modern science to create innovative, sustainable, and universally accessible healthcare solutions. By continuing its commitment to holistic medicine, India is poised to redefine the future of global healthcare.
