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Ayush: Traditional Medicine Systems and Policy
July 19, 20265 min read
Ayush: Traditional Medicine Systems and Policy
Introduction
AYUSH represents six traditional Indian medicine systems: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. The Ministry of AYUSH (established 2014, earlier Department of AYUSH since 2003) is responsible for promoting and regulating these systems. With growing global interest in traditional medicine and India's push for medical tourism and wellness, AYUSH has gained significant policy attention, especially post-COVID-19.
Evolution of AYUSH
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Drugs and Cosmetics Act recognizes Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani drugs |
| 1969 | Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) established |
| 1973 | Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH) established |
| 1995 | Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H) |
| 2003 | Renamed Department of AYUSH |
| 2014 | Independent Ministry of AYUSH (from MoHFW) |
| 2018 | WHO recognizes AYUSH for traditional medicine strategy |
| 2020 | AYUSH systems promoted for COVID-19 immunity and management |
| 2024 | NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine) replaces CCIM |
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