Ministry of Ayush Steps Up Scientific Research and Integration with Evidence-Based Medicine

The Ministry of Ayush is ramping up efforts to promote scientific research and innovation in traditional Indian medicine systems through a slew of recent initiatives, including the launch of the AYURGYAN Scheme and the establishment of advanced research centers across India.

Launch of AYURGYAN Scheme

The Ministry’s newly launched AYURGYAN Scheme aims to encourage research, innovation, and development within the Ayush sector. Under this scheme, financial support is extended to medical, scientific, and R&D institutions, as well as university departments in both the government and private sectors, focusing on priority research areas in Ayush medicine.

Strengthening Research through Apex Councils

To anchor scientific investigations in various Ayush branches, the Ministry has set up independent apex research councils, including:

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)

• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)

• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)

• Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)

• Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN)

These councils undertake core activities spanning clinical research, medicinal plant studies, drug standardization, pharmacology, and literary research, often in collaboration with universities and hospitals. Community outreach and healthcare services—such as tribal health and geriatric care—feature prominently in their programs.

Research Output Over the Past Three Years

Advancing Integrative Health Research

In a landmark effort, the Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) has been established at AIIMS, integrating Ayush with evidence-based medical practices. This collaboration focuses on four priority health areas:

• AIIMS Delhi: Gastro-intestinal disorders; women and child health

• AIIMS Jodhpur: Geriatric health

• AIIMS Nagpur: Cancer care

• AIIMS Rishikesh: Geriatric health

Integration Initiatives Across Ayush Systems

• Unani: CCRUM has secured several MoUs with top academic and scientific bodies, strengthening evidence-based Unani research.

• Siddha: CCRS operates integrated OPDs for cancer palliative care at premier institutes in New Delhi.

• Homoeopathy: CCRH collaborates with AIIMS and other medical colleges to integrate homeopathy into mainstream clinical practice, offering treatment at major hospitals in New Delhi, UP, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

Union Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, provided details of these developments in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information posted by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of Delhi on July 29, 2025, pertaining to government schemes and research activities in the Ayush sector. The details provided are factual summaries of official statements and do not constitute medical advice or endorsement of specific therapies. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns.