Steps for Promoting AYUSH in India: Government Announces Major Boost to Traditional Medicine Sector

India’s traditional medicine ecosystem received a significant policy push as the Union Government announced a series of strategic measures aimed at strengthening the AYUSH sector. While presenting the roadmap, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted focused investments in infrastructure, quality standards, and global collaboration to position India as a global leader in traditional medicine systems.

The initiatives include setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and testing laboratories to meet higher benchmarks, and strengthening the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. Together, these steps are expected to improve education, research, manufacturing quality, employment, and India’s international standing in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.

India’s Vision for AYUSH Growth

AYUSH—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy—has long been an integral part of India’s healthcare heritage. In recent years, the government has accelerated efforts to integrate these systems with modern healthcare delivery, research, and global standards.

The latest announcements reflect a clear long-term vision:

• To modernize traditional medicine infrastructure

• To ensure safety, quality, and global credibility of AYUSH products

• To expand access to affordable and holistic healthcare

• To create India-centric solutions for global wellness needs

By combining tradition with science and regulation, the government aims to unlock the full economic and healthcare potential of AYUSH.

1. Three New All India Institutes of Ayurveda to Be Set Up

One of the most impactful announcements is the proposal to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIA) across the country. These institutes will function as national centres of excellence, similar in stature to premier institutions in other medical streams.

Objectives of the New Institutes

The upcoming institutes are expected to:

• Provide advanced education and training in Ayurveda

• Promote evidence-based research and clinical trials

• Encourage innovation by integrating Ayurveda with modern medical sciences

• Act as referral centres for complex and chronic disease management

Strengthening Ayurveda Education

With rising domestic and global demand for Ayurveda practitioners, the new institutes will help address gaps in:

• Postgraduate and doctoral-level education

• Specialized clinical training

• Research methodology and documentation

These institutions will also attract international students, reinforcing India’s role as the global hub for Ayurveda learning.

Boost to Healthcare and Employment

The new institutes will:

• Create jobs for doctors, researchers, pharmacists, and support staff

• Strengthen public healthcare infrastructure

• Improve patient access to standardized, high-quality Ayurveda treatment

2. Upgrading AYUSH Pharmacies and Testing Laboratories

Another major step announced is the upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and testing laboratories to ensure higher quality, safety, and compliance with national and international norms.

Why Upgradation Is Critical

As AYUSH medicines gain popularity globally, quality assurance has become crucial. Variations in raw materials, manufacturing practices, and testing standards have often limited export potential. Upgraded infrastructure will help address these challenges.

Key Focus Areas

The government’s initiative focuses on:

• Modernizing manufacturing practices

• Strengthening Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance

• Enhancing drug testing capabilities for purity, potency, and safety

• Standardizing raw material sourcing and processing

Impact on AYUSH Industry

Upgraded pharmacies and labs will:

• Improve consumer trust in AYUSH products

• Reduce quality-related disputes in export markets

• Encourage private investment in AYUSH manufacturing

• Enable Indian companies to compete globally

This move is also expected to benefit small and medium AYUSH manufacturers by providing access to standardized testing and certification facilities.

3. Upgrading the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar

A globally significant announcement is the plan to further strengthen the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Global Importance of the Jamnagar Centre

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre is the world’s first and only WHO centre dedicated entirely to traditional medicine systems. It serves as a global platform for:

• Research and data collection

• Policy formulation

• Knowledge sharing among countries

India’s Leadership Role

By upgrading this centre, India reinforces its leadership in traditional medicine. The enhanced facility will:

• Support global research collaborations

• Develop international standards and guidelines

• Promote evidence-based validation of traditional practices

• Facilitate global acceptance of Ayurveda and related systems

Benefits for India and the World

The strengthened centre will:

• Position India as a global knowledge provider in traditional medicine

• Support WHO member countries in integrating traditional medicine into healthcare

• Promote sustainable, preventive, and holistic healthcare solutions worldwide

Economic and Global Implications of the AYUSH Push

The government’s initiatives are not limited to healthcare alone; they have strong economic and diplomatic implications.

Boost to Medical Tourism

With improved institutions and quality assurance, India is expected to attract more international patients seeking:

• Ayurveda-based therapies

• Preventive and lifestyle treatments

• Chronic disease management

Export Growth

Higher standards in AYUSH manufacturing and testing will:

• Increase exports of AYUSH medicines and wellness products

• Improve acceptance in regulated markets like the EU, US, and Southeast Asia

• Strengthen India’s wellness economy

Research and Innovation

The focus on institutions and global collaboration will encourage:

• Clinical research and documentation

• Integration of AI, data analytics, and biotechnology in traditional medicine

• Development of new formulations and therapies

Government’s Long-Term Commitment to AYUSH

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement signals that AYUSH is no longer a supplementary healthcare option but a strategic national priority. The government’s sustained investment reflects confidence in traditional medicine as a pillar of:

• Public health

• Economic growth

• Global soft power

With policy backing, infrastructure development, and global partnerships, AYUSH is set to play a transformative role in India’s healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

The announcement of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs, and strengthening of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar marks a decisive step in India’s AYUSH journey. These measures aim to ensure quality, credibility, and global recognition of India’s traditional medicine systems.

By blending ancient wisdom with modern science and international collaboration, India is positioning AYUSH as a sustainable, trusted, and globally relevant healthcare solution. The initiatives announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are expected to deliver long-term benefits for patients, practitioners, researchers, and the economy—both in India and worldwide.