The growing relevance of traditional medicine, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that traditional medicine is practiced in 88% of its member states, totaling 170 out of 194 countries.
• The global traditional medicine market is projected to reach $583 billion by 2025, with annual growth rates between 10%-20%.
• India's AYUSH industry has expanded nearly eight-fold in less than a decade, with manufacturing sector revenues growing from ₹21,697 crore in 2014-15 to over ₹1.37 lakh crore currently.
• India exports AYUSH and herbal products worth $1.54 billion to over 150 countries, with Ayurveda gaining formal recognition as a medical system in several nations.
• The National Sample Survey Office (2022-23) revealed that over half the Indian population reported using AYUSH systems in the preceding year.
• The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre has been established in India to harness traditional medicine's potential through modern science and technology.
• The theme for Ayurveda Day 2025 is "Ayurveda for People & Planet," emphasizing its relevance to contemporary challenges like lifestyle diseases and climate change.

Detailed Insights:

• Traditional medicine remains the primary healthcare form for billions, especially in low- and middle-income nations, due to its accessibility and affordability, also supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• The expansion of traditional medicine reflects a shift towards proactive, preventive healthcare approaches that address root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
• India's AYUSH sector includes over 92,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, with the services sector generating ₹1.67 lakh crore in revenue.
• India has invested significantly in research through institutions like the All India Institute of Ayurveda to focus on clinical validation, drug standardization, and integrative care models.
• Through the Ministry of AYUSH’s International Cooperation Scheme, India has signed 25 bilateral agreements and 52 institutional partnerships, establishing 43 AYUSH Information Cells across 39 countries.
• WHO's recent publication highlights how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen clinical validation, enable big-data analytics, and enhance predictive care within Ayurveda and related systems.
• Ayurveda's core philosophy of balance offers solutions for lifestyle diseases and climate change, extending beyond human wellness to veterinary care and plant health.
• India is leading efforts to mainstream traditional medicine globally, emphasizing preventive, affordable, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Traditional Medicine: Health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, or exercises.
• AYUSH: An acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, representing traditional and non-conventional systems of healthcare in India.
• Integrative Care: Healthcare approach combining conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies, like Ayurveda, to treat the whole person.