Integration of AYUSH in national health systems

Key Highlights:

• Mainstreaming of AYUSH is a core strategy under the National Health Mission (NHM) to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare.
• Integration is achieved through co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs).
• As of December 2025, NHM supports AYUSH services in 13,249 health facilities, with 25,322 AYUSH doctors and 5,666 paramedics deployed.
• Educational reforms include Ayush Module–Internship Electives for MBBS students and up to 40% modern advances in Ayurveda teaching curriculum.
• Quality control of AYUSH medicines is ensured under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, with standards set by PCIM&H.
• The Ayush Policy Roadmap has been developed as a strategic framework for the sector's growth and integration into the national healthcare system.

Detailed Insights:

• The co-location strategy enables patients to choose from different systems of medicine under a single-window service delivery mechanism.
• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare supports AYUSH doctors and paramedics, while the Ministry of Ayush supports infrastructure, equipment, and medicines under National Ayush Mission (NAM).
• An Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) provides technical support for public health, education, and training strategies.
• Integrated Ayush Departments have been established in Central Government Hospitals, such as Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College.
• Research Councils like CCRAS, CCRUM, CCRH, CCRS, and CCRYN conduct scientific validation and promote AYUSH systems through various research activities.
• The Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) strengthens AYUSH pharmacies, drug testing laboratories, and pharmacovigilance.
• An online portal "Ayush Suraksha" and an Ayush vertical in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) enhance regulatory measures and quality assurance.
• Operationalization of AAMs (Ayush) aims to establish a holistic wellness model, reduce disease burden, and provide informed choice in rural areas.
• The Ayush Policy Roadmap covers infrastructure, education, research, manufacturing, drug regulation, and international cooperation for the AYUSH ecosystem.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Health Mission (NHM): A flagship program by the Government of India for universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
• National Ayush Mission (NAM): A centrally sponsored scheme to promote AYUSH systems of medicine through cost-effective services, education, and quality control.
• Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940: The primary legislation regulating the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India.
• Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H): A subordinate organization under the Ministry of Ayush, responsible for setting quality standards for AYUSH drugs.
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): The national regulatory body for Indian pharmaceuticals and medical devices, now with a dedicated Ayush vertical.