The government is preparing to integrate Ayurveda into the health education curriculum at both school and college levels, Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has announced. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are currently working together to design course modules aimed at helping students connect with the principles of holistic health.
Highlighting that states such as Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh have already introduced elements of the Indian knowledge system in school education, Jadhav said discussions are ongoing to expand this approach nationwide.
To build global credibility for Ayurveda, the Ayush Ministry is focusing on evidence-based research. High-quality clinical trials are being conducted through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and other institutions. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), efforts are also underway to set international standards for Ayurvedic treatments.
Addressing the often-discussed debate between modern medicine and traditional systems, Jadhav emphasised the importance of integration rather than competition.
“Allopathy and AYUSH are complementary, not rivals. By bringing together the strengths of both systems, we aim to provide more comprehensive healthcare services,” he said.
Under the National AYUSH Mission, AYUSH doctors are already being deployed in Health and Wellness Centres, particularly in rural and remote areas, to improve access to primary healthcare.
Over the past decade, the Ministry of AYUSH has worked to give traditional practices a stronger identity both in India and abroad. Initiatives such as International Yoga Day, AYUSH Chairs in global universities, and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine have been pivotal in positioning India as a leader in holistic health.
According to Jadhav, the ministry’s approach prioritises balanced growth, equal opportunities, and respect for the uniqueness of each medical system while advancing research, standardisation, and education. Through the National AYUSH Mission, the government is also expanding AYUSH health centres and developing medicinal gardens across the country, strengthening the foundation of public health infrastructure.
(With PTI inputs)
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