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Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward

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Abstract

Ayurveda is again reviving and receiving a great deal of attention as a result of the role it plays in meeting the primary health care needs. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the role that Ayurveda plays in the delivery of health care to the rural masses as well as to investigate the issues that stand in its way. Exploratory research design was used to collect the information. The study found that Ayurveda is playing an important role in combating chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, etc. Unsuccessful past experiences and affordability served as two major pull factors for respondents to turn to traditional medicine. Government dispensaries opened under AYUSH are encountering several challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and a scarcity of doctors and medications. It is imperative for the government to prioritise and increase funding for traditional systems of medicine and organise training programmes for traditional practitioners with the aim of delivering healthcare services that are both secure and economically efficient.
REVIEW ARTICLE
October 2024
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
178
Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A
Way Forward
Tajinder Kaur1, Neena Rosey Kahlon2
1Assistant Professor, Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
2Assistant Professor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
INTRODUCTION
Nature is a great healer.
Walk in nature and feel the healing power of the trees.
(Anthony William)
These statements effectively encapsulate the
therapeutic properties of nature. The natural world has
an inherent enchantment. Nature has provided
humanity with several boons, such as food, water, and
shelter, among which medicinal plants stand as an
extra advantage. Numerous narratives exist that
delineate the therapeutic properties of certain plant
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Tajinder Kaur
Assistant Professor, Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar,
Punjab, India.
E-mail: sandhutaj89@gmail.com
Submission Date: 07/09/2024
Access this article online
Quick Response Code
Website: www.jaims.in
DOI: 10.21760/jaims.9.10.29
species. In his work, Kusinitz (1991) highlights the
significance of plants and recounts an anecdote about
a teacher of folk medicine who instructed his pupils to
locate a plant within an expanse of eight square miles
that lacked any medical properties. Following an
extensive search, the students subsequently returned
and conveyed that their efforts yielded no evidence of
a plant devoid of medicinal properties. The responses
impressed the teacher, who remarked that you are
now qualified to enter the medical field.
India has an abundance of medicinal flora. The
montane area, the sub-montane region, the northern
plains, and the dry region are the four principal regions
in northern India that have been well-known for herbal
treatments since antiquity (Shah, 1982). There are
allusions to their plethora of therapeutic uses in
ancient Indian literature. People learned numerous
medicinal practices by trial and error. The arrangement
and discipline of medical knowledge systems were a
result of civilizational growth. Effective medicinal
practices were categorised under ancient medical
systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and herbal
medicine. Traditional medical practices saw a drop in
A B S T R A C T
Ayurveda is again reviving and receiving a great deal of attention as a result of the role it plays in
meeting the primary health care needs. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the role
that Ayurveda plays in the delivery of health care to the rural masses as well as to investigate the issues
that stand in its way. Exploratory research design was used to collect the information. The study found
that Ayurveda is playing an important role in combating chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis,
etc. Unsuccessful past experiences and affordability served as two major pull factors for respondents to
turn to traditional medicine. Government dispensaries opened under AYUSH are encountering several
challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and a scarcity of doctors and medications. It is imperative
for the government to prioritise and increase funding for traditional systems of medicine and organise
training programmes for traditional practitioners with the aim of delivering healthcare services that are
both secure and economically efficient.
Key words: Ayurveda, AYUSH, Chronic health conditions, Dispensaries.
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE
October 2024
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
179
popularity as modern medicine became more widely
used and individuals started looking for fast fixes for
their health issues. Exactly as Gerald Brom (1965) said,
every good thing comes at a price. Despite its ability to
provide quick comfort, allopathic medicine eventually
became known for its negative side effects
(Dharmuche, 2018). There has been a notable
comeback in public interest in traditional systems of
medicine after a period of setbacks attributed to
concerns around their safety and reputed efficacy in
providing enduring remedies. Both certified and
uncertified practitioners in India observe the practice
of traditional medicine. According to Kurup (2001),
there are four distinct categories of practitioners seen
in different regions: non-institutionally qualified
traditional practitioners, institutionally qualified
practitioners, tribal healers, and graduates of modern
medicine who possess a belief in the Ayurvedic
practices. They claim that there is no disease without a
cure and that all of the medications they offer are
wholly natural and free of any harmful ingredients.
Ayurveda also claims that whenever an individual has
any ailment, the corresponding remedy may be found
within their local surroundings. Belief in the
therapeutic efficacy of traditional medicine
practitioners often contributes to successful healing
outcomes.
The world-wide interest in the use of natural products
and plant-based remedies has increased over the
years, and demand for herbal and plant-based
products has increased the popularity of traditional
systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha,
traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, etc., which
are millennia old. The market all over the world is
flooded with herbal supplements. In order to fulfil
consumers’ demands, governments are trying their
best to grapple with traditional medicine practitioners
and products that can meet daily living needs while
ensuring safety. The Government of India, after
realising the growing demand for herbal products,
started the Department of Indian System of Medicine
and Homoeopathy in 1995 under the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare and renamed it AYUSH
(acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and
Homoeopathy) in 2003. A special recognition of the
Indian system of medicine was needed in order to
provide quality assurance. AYUSH has developed a
broad institutional framework to carry out its activities.
The National Medicinal Plants Board, a division of the
department, is responsible for carrying out activities
related to medicinal plant development, conservation,
cultivation, marketing, export, and policymaking. The
Central Council of Indian Medicine and the Central
Council of Homoeopathy, the statutory regulatory
bodies, are working on laying down minimum
standards of education, recommending recognition of
medical qualifications, registering practitioners, and
laying down ethical codes. Four research councils for
research activities and eight national institutes for
teaching, research, and clinical practices have been
established. Average annual growth has been observed
in the hospitals of Ayurveda (7.1 percent), Unani (8.2
percent), Siddha (4.0 percent), and homoeopathy (3.0
percent) during 19802013. After observing annual
growth, AYUSH was integrated with the NRHM
(National Rural Health Mission) to leverage its
potential to its fullest (Srinivasan and Sugumar, 2015).
As per the World Health Organization’s Global Report
on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2019),
there were 7,99,879 AYUSH practitioners, 3639
hospitals, and 1,46,036 health sub-centres in India on
1.1.2018. There is a high demand for Ayurveda and
homoeopathy in India; at the end of 2016, 4,19,217
practitioners of Ayurveda and 29,3307 homoeopathic
practitioners were registered, which is not a small
number.
The World Health Organization and the Indian
government signed a deal to set up the WHO Global
Centre for Traditional Medicine. The Government of
India is putting USD (United States Dollar) 250 million
into this global knowledge centre for traditional
medicine. Its goal is to use modern science and
technology to tap into the potential of traditional
medicine from all over the world in order to improve
people's health and the health of the planet as a whole.
It is assumed that about 80 percent of the people in the
world use traditional medicine. So far, 170 of the 194
WHO Member States have reported using traditional
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE
October 2024
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
180
medicine, and their governments have asked WHO to
help them put together a body of reliable evidence and
data on traditional medicine practices and products.
The new WHO global centre for traditional medicine in
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, was opened on April 20,
2022. Even though Jamnagar is the centre, the new
centre is being made to include and help all parts of the
world. It focuses on building a solid evidence base for
policies and standards on traditional medicine
practices and products. It will help countries to
integrate traditional medicine into their health systems
and regulate its quality and safety for the best and
most long-lasting results. The new centre focuses on
four main strategic areas: evidence and learning, data
and analytics, sustainability and equity, and innovation
and technology. Its goal is to maximise the contribution
of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable
development (World Health Organization, 2022).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this paper was to know the role of
Ayurveda in health care and highlight the major
obstacles associated with it.
METHODOLOGY
In order to fulfil the objectives of the present study,
primary data was collected from 6 Ayurvedic
dispensaries opened under AYUSH in Bhangala,
Chappa Ram Singh, Dulka, Guru Nanak Dev University,
Sanghana, Tahali Sahib, located in Amritsar district of
Punjab. A total of 120 respondents were selected
through simple random sampling technique for the
study, 20 respondents from each dispensary. Interview
schedule method was used for the purpose of data
collection.
Analysis of Data
After the collection of data, it becomes mandatory to
analyse it in a proper way. To make the data more
understandable, it was presented in a tabular manner.
Firstly, a code design was prepared that incorporated
all possible responses. After that, code cards were
prepared, and each response was assigned a code
number. All responses were noted in the form of
frequencies, and the simple frequency tables were
manually prepared. For the analysis of the data, simple
statistical technique percentages were drawn.
Table 1: Socio-Economic Profile of The Respondents
S
N
Variables
Responses
Total
Respondents
1.
Age
Up to 25
26-35
36-45
46-55
Over 55
09 (7.5)
22 (18.33)
40 (33.34)
22 (18.33)
27 (22.5)
120 (100.00)
2.
Sex
Responses
Male
Female
68 (56.67)
52 (43.33)
120 (100.00)
3.
Marital Status
Responses
Married
Unmarried
Divorced
Widowed/Widower
96 (80.00)
15 (12.5)
04 (3.34)
05 (4.16)
120 (100.00)
4.
Caste
Category
Responses
General
Other backward castes (OBC)
Scheduled castes
82 (68.33)
32 (26.67)
06 (5.00)
120 (100.00)
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
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(Figures given in parenthesis represent percentages.)
Table 1 delineates the socio-economic profile of the
respondents. The data shows that majority of the
respondents fall within the age range of 36-45 (33.34
percent). The number of respondents up to 25 years
old is 7.5 percent. As many as 18.33 percent of
respondents fall within the age category of 2635
years. While 18.33 percent of respondents lie in the
age group of 4655 years. Lastly, 22.5 percent of
respondents belonged to the age group above 55
years. It indicates that the majority of the respondents
are in early adulthood. As far as sex is concerned the
majority that is 56.67 percent, are males, and the
remaining 43.33 percent are females. Regarding
marital status, the findings indicated that a significant
proportion of respondents (80 percent) were married,
whereas a smaller percentage (12.5 percent) was
unmarried. Another 3.34 percent and 4.16 percent of
respondents were divorced, widowed/widowers,
respectively. As far as caste is concerned, the majority
of respondents (68.33 percent) belonged to the
general caste, 26.67 percent to other backward castes,
and 5.00 percent to scheduled castes. The majority of
the respondents belonged to the Sikh religion (72.09
percent). The data on education reveals that 25.00
percent of the respondents were illiterate, 35.83
percent had studied up to matriculation, 25.83 percent
had attained senior secondary education, 6.67 percent
were graduates, and postgraduates, respectively. With
regard to income, majority were earning between Rs
15000-25000 per month.
Table 2: Preference of Ayurveda, obstacles and suggestions
SN
Variables
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Preference of Ayurveda for health issues
1.
Diabetes
35
29.17
2.
Arthritis
35
29.17
3.
Sexual health problems
22
18.33
4.
Typhoid
7
5.83
5.
Religion
Responses
Hindu
Sikh
Christian
19 (15.83)
97 (80.83)
04 (3.34)
120 (100.00)
6.
Education
Responses
Illiterate
Up to
Matriculation
Secondary
Graduates
Post Graduate
30 (25.00)
43 (35.83)
31 (25.83)
08 (6.67)
08 (6.67)
120 (100.00)
7.
Income
Responses
Below 15000
15000-25000
25000-35000
Above 35000
44 (36.67)
42 (35.00)
12 (10.00)
22 (18.33)
120 (100.00)
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
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5.
Hepatitis
7
5.83
6.
Others
14
11.67
Total
120
100.00
Stage of Illness
1.
In the beginning
43
35.83
2.
At the last
77
64.17
Total
120
100.00
Source of motivation
1.
Family/Friends/relatives/neighbours
34
28.33
2.
Yog guru Baba Ramdev
30
25.00
3.
Self-motivated
45
37.5
4.
Social media
11
9.17
Total
120
100.00
Reasons for choosing Ayurveda
1.
Unsuccessful treatments in the past
42
35.00
2.
Affordable
32
26.67
3.
Permanent curability
19
15.83
4.
No side-effects
13
10.83
5.
Familiarity with traditional practitioner
09
7.5
6.
Under the influence of significant others
*Multiple Responses
05
4.17
Satisfaction with treatment
1.
Yes
71
59.17
2.
No
49
40.83
Total
120
100.00
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
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Main constrains faced by respondents
1.
Lack of medicines and poor infrastructure
72
60.00
2.
Lack of practitioners
32
26.67
3.
Lack of advancement
16
13.33
Total
100.00
Anticipated role of government in promoting traditional health care
systems
1.
Appoint experienced staff
36
30.00
2.
Allocate more budget to traditional health systems
49
40.83
3.
Create awareness
20
16.67
4.
Training programs for non- qualified traditional practitioners
10
8.33
5.
Introduce budget friendly products
05
4.17
Total
120
100.00
Table 2 enlists the health issues for which respondents
seek treatment from traditional healers. The data
shows that an equivalent proportion of respondents,
that is, 29.17 percent, sought the assistance of
Ayurveda practitioners for both diabetes and arthritis.
Further, 18.33 percent rendered the services in
relation to matters pertaining to their sexual health. It
is noteworthy to observe that a significant proportion
of the respondents in this particular group were males.
In continuation, an equal proportion of respondents
(5.83 percent) availed the services of Ayurveda
practitioners for the treatment of typhoid and
hepatitis. Lastly, a total of 11.67 percent were found to
be undergoing treatment for various minor health
issues, such as jaundice, fever, cough, cold, skin
problems, allergies, etc. Almost one-third of the
respondents (35.83 percent) chose traditional
medicine as their first choice, while the remaining
64.17 percent preferred traditional medicine at the last
stage of illness. It is interesting to note that the
majority of the respondents (37.5 percent) revealed
that they were driven by self-interest to adhere to the
traditional system of medicine after becoming aware
of the side-effects and short-term benefits of modern
medicine. Another 28.33 percent of the respondents
reported significant others, including family, friends,
relatives, or neighbours as their motivating source.
Following up, 25 percent of the respondents got
motivation from Yog Guru Baba Ramdev to pursue
traditional medicine. Social media formed a major
source of motivation for less than ten percent of the
respondents.
Further data highlights the reasons for choosing
Ayurveda over a modern system of medicine. The
majority of respondents, that is, 35 percent, reported
that they turned towards traditional health care as a
result of the alleged failure of modern medicine to give
permanent relief. Affordability as a reason was cited by
26.67 percent of the respondents. Further, 15.83
percent of respondents stated that traditional
medicine has the potential to cure health problems
permanently, and 10.83 percent of respondents
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
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reported that it does not have accompanying adverse
effects. A meagre nine respondents opined that, due to
their familiarity with traditional practitioners, they are
taking their services. Only a small proportion of
respondents, merely 4.17 percent, favoured traditional
medicine under the influence of significant others who
shared successful anecdotes with them. When
respondents were asked about satisfaction with
treatment, the majority of the respondents, that is,
59.17 percent, expressed their satisfaction with
treatment, whereas 40.83 percent of the respondent’s
expressed discontentment with its effectiveness. The
respondents expressed discontentment with the
Ayurvedic system of medicine due to its perceived lack
of advancement, long duration of treatment and
stringent dietary restrictions that prove to be
unsustainable over extended periods. Further they
were asked to share their experiences with AYUSH
dispensaries. Out of the total sample, 60.00 percent of
the respondents reported inadequate infrastructure
and a shortage of medications at government
dispensaries as their main obstacles. Lack of
practitioners as a main constraint was reported by
26.67 percent of the respondents. Another 13.33
percent of respondents were of the view that it lacks
advanced treatment methods.
The further analysis brings out suggestions regarding
the anticipated role of government in promoting
traditional health care system. It was opined by the
majority of the respondents, that is, 40.83 percent,
that the government should allocate more budget to
traditional health care. It was observed that there is a
shortage of medicine and infrastructure is poor in
AYUSH dispensaries; the same was revealed by
respondents. Closely followed by the suggestion of the
appointment of experienced staff given by thirty
percent of the respondents. Awareness camps for
spreading traditional medicine as a suggestion was
recommended by 16.67 percent of the respondents.
Further, 8.33 percent of respondents were of the view
that training programmes focusing on using advanced
techniques for non-qualified traditional practitioners
should be organised. Lastly, an insignificant proportion
of respondents, 4.17 percent, opined that the
government should introduce budget-friendly
products into the market.
DISCUSSION
The above analysis shows that Ayurveda is playing an
important role in meeting chronic health conditions as
the study found that people tend to turn to traditional
medicine more in cases of chronic diseases. Firstly,
people prefer to treat their health problems with
modern medicine as it responds quickly, and when
modern medicine fails, people turn towards traditional
medicine in the hope of permanent curability. This is
similar to the findings of Islam’s (2009) study entitled
“Reviving Ayurveda in Modern India: Prospect and
Challenges'' carried out in Calcutta, where the patients
continue to choose allopathy first and turn to Ayurveda
as an alternative option when allopathy fails.
The present study found that majority of the
respondents were self-motivated to adhere to
Ayurveda after learning about the side-effects of
modern-medicine and social media is emerging as a
major source of information regarding traditional
medicine. Numerous YouTube and Facebook channels
exist whereby Ayurveda practitioners are engaged in
discussions pertaining to diverse health topics, provide
cures, and offer medicinal solutions via online
consultations as well. The influence of kinship ties on
the health-seeking behaviour of respondents is also
evident.
The study revealed that unsuccessful past experiences
and affordability serve as two major pull factors for
respondents to turn to traditional medicine, and
respondents possess a sound understanding of the
fundamental attributes of traditional medicine, such as
its potential for permanent curability and no harmful
effects.
In spite of great efforts, Ayurvedic dispensaries are
facing so many challenges in present times, and the
major one is the non-availability of doctors. Based on
empirical observations, it is noteworthy to highlight
the substandard condition of dispensaries,
characterised by inadequate infrastructure and a
scarcity of medications, as stated by designated
Tajinder Kaur et al. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward
ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE
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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol. 9 | Issue 10
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Ayurvedic physicians. The absence of any assistants
was the second prominent challenge they
encountered. The establishment of traditional
healthcare dispensaries is just a symbolic gesture. The
same conditions have been observed in the various
districts of Punjab. In Faridkot district, four Ayurvedic
dispensaries have opened under the NRHM (National
Rural Health Mission), and three of them have no
Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor visits only for two days,
as he alternatively visits other dispensaries too, and
the Upvaid (pharmacist) attends the patients in the
absence of the doctor. Out of sixteen sanctioned posts
for Ayurvedic medical officers, only four are filled. It
drives people to choose allopathic and other systems
of medicine. In the absence of a regular doctor, the
OPD (outpatient department) of about 60 patients
decreased by half (Hindustan Times, 2014). No
purchase of medicines was made in the last six months,
resulting in an acute shortage of even basic medicines
for colds, coughs, and fevers. It resulted in a significant
reduction in the number of patients from 30-35 to only
5. Serious steps need to be taken to make AYUSH the
first choice of patients. (Times of India, 2019). Similarly,
the ten AYUSH dispensaries in Jalandhar have lacked
proper staff and medicines for over seven years. There
are only five doctors in 10 dispensaries who are taking
charge of two dispensaries each. Surprisingly, no
pharmacist or doctor has been recruited for the past
many years. It is the need of the hour to appoint proper
staff; otherwise, the dispensaries will continue to be in
dilapidated condition (The Tribune, 2020). It is not just
a matter of a piece of paper providing multiple health
care choices to people; instead, it is about good health
and health care opportunities. In the absence of
institutionally qualified ayurvedic doctors, traditional
Ayurvedic practitioners locally known as Vaids who
gained knowledge through their family traditions
continue to win the faith of rural masses.
Suggestions
1. No doubt, Ayurveda is again reviving in the studied
areas and playing an important role in addressing
chronic health conditions but Ayurvedic
dispensaries opened under AYUSH are running out
of medicine, poor infrastructure, and staff. It is the
prime duty of the government to address these
issues on a priority basis and promote traditional
health care practices.
2. The study indicated no involvement of the local
government in promoting and addressing the
aforementioned issues, so their involvement must
be ensured.
3. To foster the enthusiasm of young individuals for
traditional medicinal systems, it is imperative for
the government to establish Ayurveda, Unani, and
Siddha educational institutes, thus enabling them
to become institutionally trained practitioners.
CONCLUSION
The above analysis shows that the modern system of
medicine is not able to fulfil the health needs of people,
especially in cases of chronic diseases such as diabetes,
arthritis, etc. As a result, people are turning to
traditional systems of medicine. The majority of the
respondents were found dissatisfied as the
government dispensaries opened under AYUSH are
encountering several challenges, such as inadequate
infrastructure and a scarcity of medications.
Consequently, these dispensaries are unable to attract
the attention of the rural population. It is imperative
for the government to prioritise and increase funding
for traditional systems of medicine with the aim of
delivering healthcare services that are both secure and
economically efficient.
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*******************************
How to cite this article: Tajinder Kaur, Neena Rosey
Kahlon. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and
A Way Forward. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2024;10:178-
186.
http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.9.10.29
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
declared.
Copyright © 2024 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms
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For the first time, we have a comprehensive database on usage of AYUSH (acronym for Ayurveda, naturopathy and Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in India at the household level. This article aims at exploring the spread of the traditional medical systems in India and the perceptions of people on the access and effectiveness of these medical systems using this database. The article uses the unit level data purchased from the National Sample Survey Organization, New Delhi. Household is the basic unit of survey and the data are the collective opinion of the household. This survey shows that less than 30% of Indian households use the traditional medical systems. There is also a regional pattern in the usage of particular type of traditional medicine, reflecting the regional aspects of the development of such medical systems. The strong faith in AYUSH is the main reason for its usage; lack of need for AYUSH and lack of awareness about AYUSH are the main reasons for not using it. With regard to source of medicines in the traditional medical systems, home is the main source in the Indian medical system and private sector is the main source in Homeopathy. This shows that there is need for creating awareness and improving access to traditional medical systems in India. By and large, the users of AYUSH are also convinced about the effectiveness of these traditional medicines.
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https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/lackof-staff-medicines-ail-ayurvedic-dispensaries-118712/ Accessed on 20.06.2024 cite this article: Tajinder Kaur, Neena Rosey Kahlon. Rejuvenation of Ayurveda: Major Obstacles and A Way Forward. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2024;10:178-186. http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.9.10.29