The Global Resurgence of Traditional Medicine: India's AYUSH Sector as a Rising Soft Power
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development (Health, AYUSH); Science & Technology (Traditional Medicine); Government Policies & Schemes (Ministry of AYUSH); International Bodies (WHO).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, Governance, International Relations): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Government policies and interventions; India's 'soft power' in foreign policy.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, S&T): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Key Highlights from the News
Traditional medicine is gaining popularity and acceptance worldwide. 88% of WHO member states have it.
India's AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) sector has grown eightfold in the last decade, becoming a major economic force.
Two main factors are behind India's growth in this field:
Scientific Validation: Government efforts to scientifically prove the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments through research institutions.
Global Expansion: International cooperation led by the Ministry of AYUSH and the establishment of AYUSH Information Cells in foreign countries.
The establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, is a significant milestone in this field.
The article proposes Ayurveda's holistic approach, emphasizing preventive approaches rather than treating diseases after they occur, as a solution to lifestyle diseases faced by the modern world.
India's traditional medicine greatly contributes to the country's economic growth and its emergence as a soft power globally.
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