Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector- Health, Issue: Significance of traditional medicine.
Context:
WHO reports that traditional medicine is practiced in 88% of member states (170 out of 194).For billions in low and middle-income nations, it is the primary health care due to accessibility and affordability. Beyond treatment, it supports biodiversity conservation, nutrition security, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Highlights:
Global Traditional Medicine Market:
- Global market share: Global traditional medicine is projected to reach $583 billion by 2025, with 10–20% annual growth.
- China: $122.4 billion (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
- Australia: $3.97 billion (herbal medicine).
- India’s AYUSH sector: $43.4 billion covering Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
India’s Ayurvedic Transformation:
Industry Growth:
- MSME growth: AYUSH sector has over 920,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, marking eight-fold expansion in less than a decade.
- Manufacturing growth: Manufacturing sector revenues have gone up from ₹21,697 crore (2014-15) to over ₹1.37 lakh crore currently.
- Exports growth: Exports crossed ₹16,167 crore last year.
Global Reach:
- Global expansion: India now exports AYUSH and herbal products worth $1.54 billion to over 150 countries.
- Soft power: Ayurveda gaining formal recognition in several nations. boosting soft power.
- Institutions related to traditional medicine:
- All India Institute of Ayurveda,
- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda,
- National Institute of Ayurveda,
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
- Focus: clinical validation, drug standardisation, and integrative care (traditional + modern).
- International Outreach:
- Ministry of AYUSH has signed 25 bilateral agreements & 52 institutional partnerships.
- Established 43 AYUSH Information Cells in 39 countries.
- Positioned Ayurveda chairs in foreign universities.
WHO Recognition:
- Global centre: WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India is a significant milestone.
- Significance: As per the recent WHO report, AI integration in traditional medicine can strengthen clinical validation, enable big-data analytics, and enhance predictive care.
| Theme 2025: “Ayurveda for People & Planet” (September 23 is celebrated as Ayurveda Day) emphasises holistic balance between body & mind, humans & nature, consumption & conservation offers solutions to lifestyle diseases and climate change. |
Significance for India:
- Healthcare Philosophy: Shift from reactive treatment to proactive & preventive care.
- Soft Power Diplomacy: Ayurveda emerging as a tool of India’s cultural diplomacy.
- Sustainable Development: Traditional medicine can address planetary health, biodiversity, and food security.
- Economic Growth: Expanding AYUSH industry and rising exports enable job creation & rural enterprise promotion.
Conclusion:
Traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, is no longer an alternative but a mainstream contributor to global health and sustainability. For India, it is also an economic opportunity, soft power, and global leadership in the era of preventive medicine.
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