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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is organizing a groundbreaking national meet on June 24th, 2024, to set research priorities for Traditional Medicine (TM) in India. This historic event, held in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), marks a significant step towards aligning traditional medicine research with global standards.
The first-of-its-kind consultative meet will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, academics, patients, and industry representatives. Their combined expertise will be used to identify and prioritize key research areas across various traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy.
This initiative aligns with the WHO’s mandate on traditional medicine, according to Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS. The recent designation of the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH) as a WHO Collaborating Center further emphasizes the importance of this research priority setting exercise.
The aim is to develop a ten-year research roadmap for traditional medicine. This will ensure efficient use of resources and address critical needs within the field, ultimately leading to wider acceptance and integration of traditional medicine globally.
The meet, led by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, and Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, will feature participation from across the traditional medicine sector in India. Representatives from government bodies like NITI Aayog, research councils, national commissions, universities, and institutes will be present. Additionally, experts from industry, research institutions like PHFI and CSIR, and the WHO will also be involved.
Discussions will focus on crucial areas like medicinal plant research, quality control, safety and efficacy studies, clinical trials, and the digitalization of ancient medical texts. Around 100 stakeholders and experts are expected to participate, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.
This one-day national consultative meet represents a major step forward in establishing a long-term research strategy for traditional medicine in India. By fostering collaboration and aligning with WHO guidelines, this initiative has the potential to significantly advance the integration of traditional medicine practices worldwide.
