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India emerging as a leading hub for medical and wellness travel [Details]

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India as a Global Healing Destination

India is emerging as a leading hub for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as AYUSH. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and initiatives like AYUSH Visa and Regional Medical Hubs are strengthening the ecosystem. Rising global healthcare costs and demand for holistic care are driving international patients to India for affordable, high-quality treatment and preventive wellness solutions.

Across the world, rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are driving patients to seek treatment abroad. This global shift has led to the emergence of a multi-billion-dollar Medical Value Travel (MVT) industry.

The global Medical Value Travel market was valued at about USD 115.6 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach around USD 286.1 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8%.

India has emerged as one of the most significant destinations in this evolving global landscape. Industry estimates place the medical tourism market at about USD 8.7 billion in 2025, with projections of USD 16.2 billion by 2030.

For centuries, India has been regarded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, balance and recovery. Today, this ancient legacy has evolved into a dynamic Medical Value Travel ecosystem. It combines modern medical science with the timeless wisdom of traditional systems.

Through the flagship “Heal in India” initiative, the Government is positioning the country as a premier destination for integrated and holistic healthcare.

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To understand the scope of this landscape, it is essyogaential to distinguish between its two vibrant pillars:

  • Medical Tourism: It focuses on curative interventions such as complex surgeries, organ transplants, and advanced diagnostic care provided by specialised hospitals and healthcare institutions.
  • Wellness Tourism: It centres on preventive and holistic well-being through traditional systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and other AYUSH practices. It offers therapies that promote physical, mental and spiritual health.

Together, these two pillars form the foundation of India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem. They address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare.

According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21:

  • India ranks 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally
  • 12th among the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets
  • 5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

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The 2025-26 Statistical Landscape

As per Ministry of Tourism estimates, in FY24, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 per cent to GDP, close to pre-pandemic levels. The sector also supported an estimated 8.46 crore direct and indirect jobs, accounting for about 13.3 per cent of total employment.

The latest data for 2025 highlights the sector’s momentum:

  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): In 2025, India recorded 9.15 million FTAs.
  • Medical Purpose Arrivals: In 2025, 507,244 foreign nationals arrived specifically for medical treatment.
  • Sectoral Share: 2025 data shows that medical tourism constitutes approximately 5.5% of total FTAs.
  • Leading Markets: According to 2025 figures, the top source countries for medical tourists include- Bangladesh (3,25,127 arrivals), followed by Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9738), and Kenya (9,357).
  • Patients from other countries primarily travel to India for specialised treatments such as:
    1. Cardiac surgery
    2. Orthopaedic procedures
    3. Cancer treatment
    4. Organ transplants
    5. Neurological interventions
    6. Cosmetic surgery
    7. Dental care
    8. Fertility treatment
    9. AYUSH-based wellness therapies

India’s Competitive Edge: Quality, Expertise and Affordability

India holds a unique advantage that places it 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI). The government identifies several pillars of this competitive advantage:

Robust Medical Resources

India’s healthcare system is supported by one of the world’s largest pools of trained medical professionals.

India has 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private hospitals, and 25,778 public hospitals) with 1.2 million registered doctors, achieving WHO recommended doctor population ratio.

Furthermore, English serves as the primary language of medical education and clinical practice in India, enabling seamless communication with international patients. Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its medical education capacity and healthcare infrastructure. This has strengthened the availability of skilled healthcare professionals across specialised disciplines.

Advanced Technology and Accreditation

India’s healthcare system is supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms and internationally recognised accreditation standards. Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).

NABH establishes rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care. As of 2026, NABH has accredited over 1,299 hospitals using more than 600 safety parameters. Meanwhile, the Quality Council of India oversees systematic quality improvement.

NABH accreditation is recognised globally through its affiliation with the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In addition, several Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. It places the hospitals among healthcare institutions that meet globally accepted standards of clinical excellence.

Medical Value Travel (MVT) service providers are primarily concentrated in the Southern and Western States of India. As of 2022, the concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals by city is as follows:

City Number of JCI Accredited Hospitals
Delhi 9
Mumbai 6
Bangalore 3
Chennai 2
Hyderabad 2
Ahmedabad 2
Kolkata 1
Nagpur 1
Cochin 1

Other notable cities with a concentration of service providers include Pune and Nashik.

Cost-Effective Medical Treatment

India’s medical tourism appeal is significantly strengthened by its cost competitiveness. High-quality medical treatment in India is often available at substantially lower cost compared to many developed countries, while maintaining comparable clinical standards.

This affordability is supported by advanced medical technology and skilled professionals.
It enables international patients to access specialised treatment without long waiting periods.

Strengthening AYUSH-led Medical Value Travel

India possesses a unique advantage in wellness tourism through its centuries-old traditional systems of medicine collectively known as AYUSH — Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

As the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, India continues to promote these systems as integral components of holistic health and preventive care.

  • AYUSH Visa Facilitation: To streamline access for international patients, the Government of India introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa on 27 July 2023. It enables foreign nationals and their attendants to travel to India specifically for treatment under recognised AYUSH systems.
  • Quality Standards: Efforts are underway to strengthen credibility and standardisation in the sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted ISO 22525, an international standard related to medical wellness tourism services.
  • Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage for AYUSH therapies has also expanded significantly. Under the Health Insurance Regulations of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurers are permitted to cover treatments under AYUSH. As a result, around 27 insurance companies now offer more than 140 policy products covering AYUSH treatments.
  • Global Engagement and Ecosystem Development: Medical Value Travel remains a key theme across major AYUSH initiatives. This includes the “Global Synergy in AYUSH: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel” Summit, held in Mumbai (2024) and Chennai (May 2025).
  • Capacity building is being strengthened through initiatives such as the AYUSH sub-council under the Health Sector Skill Council.
  • Global outreach is also expanding through platforms like the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, the Know India Programme, and AYUSH initiatives showcased during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

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Strategic Initiatives: Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights

The Government of India has unveiled a visionary path to cement the nation’s status as a global medical hub through the Union Budget 2026-27.

Regional Medical Hubs

A key proposal involves the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country in partnership with State Governments and the private sector. These Hubs are designed as integrated healthcare complexes that will house medical, educational, and research facilities under one umbrella.

To ensure a comprehensive healing experience, these hubs will feature:

  • Specialised Centres: Every hub will include AYUSH Centres and dedicated Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Facilitation Centres.
  • End-to-End Care: Infrastructure will be developed for advanced diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation.
  • Employment Generation: These complexes are expected to create diverse job opportunities for doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

Infrastructure for Wellness

In addition to strengthening modern healthcare infrastructure, the Government is also expanding the country’s capacity in traditional systems of medicine.

  • The establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda has been proposed to enhance education, research, and clinical services in Ayurveda.
  • Simultaneously, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is being upgraded to strengthen evidence-based research and global collaboration in traditional medicine systems.

These initiatives reflect the Government’s integrated approach to developing both medical treatment services and wellness-based healing traditions as complementary pillars of India’s healthcare ecosystem.

Roadmap for Quality and Governance

To maintain India’s competitive advantage, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.

The roadmap focuses on three key areas of governance:

  1. Institutional Framework: The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB) serves as an umbrella organisation to coordinate between ministries, state governments, and the private sector.
  2. Quality Assurance: The government is strengthening NABH accreditation for hospitals, wellness centres, and dental clinics. It is also encouraging the registration and rating of Medical Value Trave (MVT) facilitators to build international trust.
  3. Skilling and Capacity Building: The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through a 12-week training course. Additionally, paramedical and non-medical staff are being trained in cross-cultural sensitivities and foreign languages to better serve international patients.

By integrating these governance and quality measures, the government aims to project India as a 365-day destination for holistic healing. This integrated communication strategy, is promoted as a sub-brand of “Incredible India”. Through these initiatives, India is transitioning toward a more formalised, regulated, and trusted global hub for the “holistic health revolution”.

Government Facilitation and Digital Transformation

The government has streamlined the international patient’s journey through robust digital and policy interventions. A cornerstone of this is the liberalised visa regime, where the e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa facilities have been extended to nationals of 172 countries.

Additionally, new categories like the e-AYUSH Visa and e-AYUSH Attendant Visa have been introduced to support those seeking traditional Indian treatments.

Digital initiatives are further enhancing the “Heal in India” experience:

  • Revamped MVT Portal: The government is upgrading the one-stop Medical Value Travel Portal to provide an “end-to-end” solution. It enables patients to explore, plan, and book services, as well as make payments and access post-operative care.
  • Airport Facilitation: Plans include setting up MVT Concierge and Lounges at important airports. This is to greet travellers at the aerobridge and assist them through immigration, customs, and baggage claims.

Institutional Mechanism for Medical and Wellness Tourism

To ensure coordinated development of Medical Value Travel, the Government has established an institutional framework.

National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB): Constituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism. It promotes and facilitates medical and wellness tourism in India.

Multi-Stakeholder Platform: The Board brings together ministries, state governments, hospitals, wellness centres, accreditation bodies, and industry stakeholders. Together, they strengthen the Medical Value Travel ecosystem.

State-Level Coordination: States are encouraged to establish dedicated Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Boards or cells to support regional development and promotion.

Promoting Wellness and Cultural Integration

Wellness tourism represents an important component of India’s broader health tourism strategy. The country’s rich traditions in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing offer unique opportunities for integrating wellness with cultural tourism.

Yoga as a Global Brand for Holistic Health

Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ (meaning “to join” or “to unite”). It has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s global soft power. It symbolises the unity of mind, body, thought, and action, and promotes a holistic approach to well-being.

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 served as the primary vehicle for integrating wellness into the national and global consciousness. Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned yoga with sustainability and global well-being.

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India is positioned as a favoured destination for Yoga and traditional therapies, attracting Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs). They travel specifically to maintain their wellness lifestyle or seek preventive healthcare. This journey is now significantly streamlined by the government’s dedicated e-AYUSH Visa facility.

Towards a Global Healing Hub

India’s medical and wellness tourism ecosystem is evolving into a globally trusted model of integrated healthcare. It combines modern medical infrastructure with traditional systems such as AYUSH. This enables both curative and preventive care.

Strong government policy, digital facilitation, and international quality standards support this growth. Expanding global outreach is further strengthening India’s position as a comprehensive destination for Medical Value Travel.

As global demand rises, India is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of global healthcare and wellness travel.

 

Also Read:

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Yoga and meditation improve brain function and energy levels

Stay Fit While You Fly: Ayush ministry launches Smart yoga regime to Air Travellers

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Everything appears to get slower at 35,000 feet above ground, though the body does, as well. Even the most experienced traveller can get a sore back, tired and mentally exhausted because of hours in a tight seat. To combat such a contemporary issue of traveling, a very uncomplicated yet effective remedy is flying: Yoga for Air Travel – the 5-minute on-flight wellness system made with the intent of being very easy to follow.

An innovative project launched at Yoga Mahotsav 2026 by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ayush This is an innovative project where the timeless yoga can be practiced in the octant and convert your seat into a rejuvenation zone. The protocol was designed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga to suit the needs of the modern frequent fliers – giving a fast, safe and efficient method to refresh oneself in the air.

Emphasizing the idea behind the project, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, stated that yoga has an immense preventive health and well-being power. This in-flight yoga guideline is an indication of our desire to ensure that yoga is available in all environments including those at the 35,000 feet location so that people can remain active, relaxed, and balanced when people are on the move.

Why In-Flight Yoga Matters

Long-haul travel especially by air can cause a lot of immobility. This may cause muscle stiffness, lack of circulation, fatigue, jet lag and in some instances, more severe issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The necessity to have a basic wellness intervention is clear in a combination with travel stress and change of cabin pressure.

The 5-minute Yoga protocol will help with these challenges with the help of gentle movements, mindful breathing and short meditation, and will help to restore the balance in the body and mind.

Insisting on the scientific and preventive touch, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, the Secretary, the Ministry of Ayush, stressed that the practice of yoga in everyday life, even in rather limited conditions such as flights, may play an enormous role in enhancing circulation, alleviating stress, and maintaining the well-being. This is because such practical interventions simplify preventive healthcare and make it accessible.

Eating and Exercising at Your Desk

The protocol is easy and accessible and does not need any special equipment or can be conducted when one is seated. It is a smooth combination of physical mobility and breath awareness and mental relaxation:

Centring (15 seconds): Start with a silent awareness or intent to get yourself grounded.
Light Joint movements (45 seconds): rotations of shoulders, stretching of ankle, and any simple movements to enhance blood flow and lessen stiffness.
Seated Yoga Poses: Altered poses include Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose), seated Cat-Cow, spinal rotations, and mild movements involving the legs in order to relieve tension and posture.
Pranayama (Breathing Practices): Deep breathing, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Sheetali to relax the nervous system and improve the flow of oxygen.
Meditation (30 seconds): A short break to re-focus the mind and help bring about relaxation.
Enhancing the greater picture of changing behaviour, Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stressed, “The initiative shows how yoga may be effectively applied in day-to-day circumstances. We want to establish a culture of wellness, which will accompany a person wherever he or she may go by encouraging so easy habit.

Small Practice, Big Impact

Within five minutes, this routine can:

Improve blood circulation
Decrease muscle stiffness and fatigue.
Ease stress and anxiety
Help in digestion and hydration awareness.
Help manage jet lag
Most importantly, it enables travellers to be in-charge of their well-being- even in-flight.

Wellness, Anywhere You Go

Yoga is beautiful because of its flexibility. It finds you at home, in the office, or at the altitude of the clouds. This in-flight procedure is an instructional notice that wellness does not need additional time or area–only purpose.

The next time you buckle in your seatbelt, take a moment to pay attention to yourself. It is better to stop and rest to reconnect with oneself sometimes, the best way to travel far.

Fly well. Breathe easy. Stay balanced.

Also Read:

‘One Earth, One Health’: Yoga Day provides respite in a tumultuous world

AYUSH Ministry Launches Yoga Life-size Mascots

‘One Earth, One Health’: Yoga Day provides respite in a tumultuous world

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This powerful message of International Yoga Day, observed annually on 21 June, reverberated through UN Headquarters in New York on Friday as hundreds gathered to embrace the ancient, holistic practice.

A familiar tradition now each year, the North Lawn once again transformed into an open-air yoga studio overlooking the East River.  Following a stretch of rainy, gray days, the sky had finally cleared, making it a bright, warm day.

And yoga enthusiasts, including diplomats, UN officials and staff, took full advantage of it, rolling out their mats – flexing bodies and minds.

Peter Rogina, founder of Project Peace Lights, was delighted to return to the headquarters and fondly recalled the 2019 event, which was moved indoors to the General Assembly Hall due to rain.

“I love the opportunity to practice with such a large group of people, the energy is just amplified…And I also have my son with me, so to introduce him to this experience, I am also very excited.”

Lama Aria Drolma is a Buddhist teacher and meditation expert.

A Buddhist monastic Lama Aria Drolma comes to the UN every year to participate in the event. Her path has taken her from the world of corporate modeling to a more reflective place of inner peace and meditation.

“When I was a young child growing up in India, I used to practice yoga. It touches not only the body but also the soul. It’s very meditative as well. I find yoga to be one of the healthiest things we all can do to take care of our health.”

‘One family’

The emphasis on personal wellness also highlighted the benefits of yoga going beyond individuals to encompass the health of the entire planet.

Organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, the theme of this year’s event was, Yoga for One Earth, One Health.

India’s Permanent Representative Ambassador P. Harish noted how it underscores a vital truth: personal well-being and planetary health are deeply interconnected.

“In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the whole world is one family.”

“The 11th edition of the Yoga Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on how yoga has grown into a global force for well-being, touching people across age-groups, geographies and walks of life,” he added.

Echoing that, Didi Ananda Radhika Acharya from Ananda Marga Women’s Welfare Center pointed out that more than just an exercise, yoga is  a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.

“On the outside, we are our bodies, within that lies our mind. Deep further inside, there is something that is always witnessing us, observing us. That is our soul. Through Yoga, we can reach that inner space. When we delve into the depths of our mind through yoga, we realize how deeply connected we all are.”

A symbol of hope

Participants on the lawn ranged from experienced practitioners to curious first timers, engaged in basic yoga asanas (poses), breathing techniques and stretching exercises.

Permanent Mission of India to the UN

Marking International Day of Yoga at UN Headquarters in New York City. (20 June 2025)

The key highlight of the programme was a guided meditation session by the renowned physician and a leading figure on integrative well-being, Dr. Deepak Chopra.

Marta Shedletsky from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York attended the session seeking a sense of community, trust – and hope. The venue held a special meaning for her.

“What’s going on in the world these days, with all the turmoil and all the wars that are going on, this place feels like a symbol of hope for a better future and the possibility of peace.”

Yoga and meditation improve brain function and energy levels

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Practicing brief sessions of Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation can significantly improve brain function and energy levels, according to a new study from the University of Waterloo.

The study found that practicing just 25 minutes of Hatha yoga or mindfulness meditation per day can boost the brain’s executive functions, cognitive abilities linked to goal-directed behavior and the ability to control knee-jerk emotional responses, habitual thinking patterns and actions.

“Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation both focus the brain’s conscious processing power on a limited number of targets like breathing and posing, and also reduce processing of nonessential information,” said Peter Hall, associate professor in the School of Public Health & Health Systems. “These two functions might have some positive carryover effect in the near- term following the session, such that people are able to focusmore easily on what they choose to attend to in everyday life.”

Thirty-one study participants completed 25 minutes of Hatha yoga, 25 minutes of mindfulness meditation, and 25 minutes of quiet reading (a control task) in randomized order. Following both the yoga and meditation activities, participants performed significantly better on executive function tasks compared to the reading task.

“This finding suggests that there may be something special about meditation– as opposed to the physical posing– that carries a lot of the cognitive benefits of yoga,” said Kimberley Luu, lead author on the paper.

The study also found that mindfulness meditation and Hatha yoga were both effective for improving energy levels, but Hatha yoga had significantly more powerful effects than meditation alone.

“There are a number of theories about why physical exercises like yoga improve energy levels and cognitive test performance,” said Luu. “These include the release of endorphins, increased blood flow to the brain, and reduced focus on ruminative thoughts. Though ultimately, it is still an open question.”

Hatha yoga is one of the most common styles of yoga practiced in Western countries.

It involves physical postures and breathing exercises combined with meditation. Mindfulness mediation involves observing thoughts, emotions and body sensations with openness and acceptance.

“Although the meditative aspect might be even more important than the physical posing for improving executive functions, there are additional benefits to Hatha yoga including improvements in flexibility and strength,” said Hall. “These benefits may make Hatha yoga superior to meditation alone, in terms of overall health benefits.”

Compulsory Yoga/Games in high school level for holistic development of children

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The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel said in the Rajya Sabha today that education falls under the Concurrent List, majority of schools fall under State Examination Boards and the school curriculum is determined by the State Governments. However, the National Curriculum Framework 2005 recognizes the role of sports and physical education in the holistic development of children and youth in the country. As part of this policy, the Government has made access to play fields, equipment for sports & games and engagement of physical education instructor- a mandatory requirement for all schools under the Right to Education Act.

In a written reply he said, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) places special importance on co-scholastic areas which includes sports and physical fitness. Details of salient measures taken by CBSE to promote sports in schools are given in the Annexure. It is expected that State Education Boards would also emulate the CBSE example.

Annexure

Annexure referred to in reply to part (a) & (b) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2558 to be answered on 08.08.2017 regarding ‘Compulsory yoga/games in high school level’ by SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN:

Salient steps taken to promote yoga/games/sports in the schools affiliated to CBSE are as

follows:

In classes VI-X any two activities out of the following are compulsory:

a. Sports/Indigenous sports (Kho-Kho etc.)

b. NCC/NSS

c . Scouting and Guiding

d. Swimming

e. Gymnastics

f. Yoga

g. First Aid

h. Gardening/Shramdaan

2. The Board has advised schools that there should be at least 40-45 minutes of physical Activities or Games period for Classes I-X every day. For Classes XI- XII schools should ensure that all the students participate in physical Activity / Games / Mass P.T. / Yoga with maximum health benefits for at least two period per week ( 90- 120 min week).

3. The Board also organizes ‘Inter school Sports and Games Competitions’ in as many as 24 disciplines at Cluster, Zone and National level. Over 1.5 lac students participate in it each year. In order to identify, recognize, nurture and develop the extraordinary talent among the students studying in class VIII onwards in sports and games, the Board provides Chacha Nehru Scholarship.

Last Date of Nomination for AYUSH Medical Seats Extended to July 31, 2017

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The Ministry of AYUSH has extended the last date for application to several seats for MD/PG in Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha and Homoeopathy Courses under Central Government Nomination (CGN) as per guidelines for the academic session 2017-18 from the eligible Government Teachers/Medical Officers (Doctors)/Research Officers.

These applications were invited through the concerned State /UT Governments up to 15.06.2017 and 30.06.2017 (NER). In view of administrative reasons, the ministry said it has decided to extend the last date for receiving through the concerned State Governments/UTs up to 31st July, 2017.

There are total 626 AYUSH Colleges in the country and two National Institutes to impart education in Ayurveda namely (i) National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur for Under-graduate and Post-graduate education and (ii) Institute of Post-Graduate Training and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar for Post-graduate education.

In addition the Government has established two new Ayurveda institutes during the academic session 2016-17 namely (i) All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi for Post-graduate education and (ii) North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy, Shillong for Under-graduate education in Ayurveda.

Currently, India has five Central Councils for Research in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy and Homoeopathy for undertaking, coordinating, formulating, developing and promoting research on scientific lines, through 82 peripheral institute/Centres/Units located all over India and also through collaborative studies with various universities, hospitals and institutes.

The research activities of the councils include medicinal plant research (Medico-ethno botanical survey, pharmacognosy and tissue culture), Drug Standardization Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation, and other outreach activities. Further, Ministry of AYUSH runs Extra Mural Research (EMR) scheme to conduct the research on various aspects of AYUSH systems.

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) was announced on 29th September 2014 for better access to AYUSH services such as strengthening of AYUSH educational institutions, facilitate the enforcement of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and sustainable availability of raw materials by promotion of medicinal plants in the States/UTs.

 

AYUSH Ministry Clarifies on Sex During Pregnancy in Booklets

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With the Indian media going gaga over the brochure on “Mother and Child Care”, published by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), the AYUSH ministry has given clarification that the advice to have ‘no sex’ was not true.

Some news reports have drawn an assertion that the booklet puts forward the “prescription” that “pregnant women in India” should “say no to sex after conception”. “This is far from the truth. In fact, the words “no sex” do not feature at all in the booklet,” the AYUSH ministry pointed out in a statement.

Some reports have appeared in the print and electronic media since June 13, 2017 concerning the publication of CCRYN, an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH but these reports are seen to be inaccurate, and some are even seen to misrepresent facts, that forced the Ministry of AYUSH to issue clarification:

It said the booklet puts together relevant and useful information culled out from many years of clinical practice in the fields of Yoga and Naturopathy, keepin in view the health benefits of Yoga and Naturopathy to expecting mothers and new mothers in a simple format.

This publication, which has been in distribution through the units of the erstwhile Department of AYUSH and CCRYN since 2013, and not a recent publication, clarified the statement.

Many new mothers and families have appreciated that information relevant to the different phases of pregnancy has been made available in a simple format in the booklet. The information provided includes diet plans based on clinical experience, simple naturopathy treatments and tips for remaining stress-free during pregnancy.

It also suggests on page 14 of the booklet to avoid certain types of food like tea, coffee, white flour products, fried and oily items and non-veg during pregnancy, which have received selective attention. The suggestion that non-vegetarian food may be avoided (as Yoga & Naturopathy doesn’t advocate non-vegetarian food in its practice) has been singled out for high-lighting in some reports, omitting the mention of white flour products, fried and oily items etc have also been there, said the statement.

The Ministry of AYUSH has urged the media to view the efforts of CCRYN to take the preventive health benefits of Yoga to all sections of the population (including expecting mothers) in the right perspective.