AYUSH Sector's Growth

• 19 Aug 2023

For Prelims: AYUSH, World Health Organization (WHO), Global Traditional Medicine Summit

For Mains: Initiatives Related to AYUSH, Importance of Traditional Medicine

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) sector is witnessing a remarkable growth trajectory. This growth is poised to continue, with projections indicating a leap to 24 billion USD by the end of 2023.

• Amidst this promising landscape, the Ayush sector is set to take centre stage at the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Summit.

What is the AYUSH Sector?

• About:
  • The AYUSH sector represents India's traditional healthcare systems.
  • Indian systems of medicine are diverse, accessible, and affordable, with broad public acceptance, making them vital healthcare providers. Their economic value is growing, offering crucial services to a significant population.
• Diverse Disciplines Under AYUSH:
  • Ayurveda: Ancient system emphasizing holistic well-being.
  • Yoga: Union of body, mind, and spirit through physical postures and meditation.
  • Naturopathy: Natural healing using elements like water, air, and diet.
  • Unani: Balance restoration through herbal medicines and humoral theory.
  • Siddha: Traditional Tamil medicine with roots in five elements and humors.
  • Homeopathy: Highly diluted remedies stimulating self-healing responses.
• Growth of AYUSH Sector:
  • Exponential Financial Surge:
    • Production of AYUSH medicines and supplements has seen exponential growth.
    • Revenue surged from 3 billion USD (2014) to 18 billion USD (2020).
    • Anticipated growth to 24 billion USD in 2023 showcases its financial impact.
  • Integration in Healthcare:
    • AYUSH-based health and wellness centres garner significant response.
    • 7,000 operational centers; 8.42 crore patients availed services (2022).
    • Increasing integration in modern healthcare systems.

What are the Schemes Related to AYUSH?

• National Ayush Mission.
• New Portals on Ayush Sector.
• AYUSH Entrepreneurship Programme.
• Ayush Wellness Centers.
• ACCR Portal and Ayush Sanjivani App.

What is the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit?

• About:
  • The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit is a pivotal event that underscores the importance of traditional medicine in global healthcare practices.
  • This platform brings together experts, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of traditional medicine.
  • The First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
  • The summit is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the Indian Government, which holds the G20 presidency in 2023.
• Global Participation:
  • Participation from more than 90 countries.
  • Gathering of diverse stakeholders representing various sectors.
• Objectives and Focus Areas:
  • Aimed at sharing best practices, evidence, data, and innovations in traditional medicine.
  • Platform to discuss the role of traditional medicine in health and sustainable development.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains

Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)