Why in News?
NITI Aayog released the "Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global" to diagnose why Ayurveda lags behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and propose a phased action plan from 2025 to 2047.
Current Global Status of Ayurveda
Export Growth
- Doubled from USD 1.09 billion (2014) to USD 2.16 billion (2023)
- Exports reach approximately 150 countries
Global Recognition
- Formally recognized in nearly 30 countries through varying licensing models
- Academic collaborations established globally
Workforce Analysis
- India has over 355,000 trained Ayurveda practitioners
- 95% of qualified professionals are based in India, indicating limited international mobility
- Only around 5,000 practitioners abroad, largely driven by Indian diaspora
International Integration
- Research spans nearly 70 countries
- WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) established in Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Ayush academic "Chairs" exist in:
- University of Mauritius
- Western Sydney University, Australia
- No standardized international curriculum currently exists
WHO Recognition
- Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) integrated into ICD-11 (TM-2 module)
- WHO began coding ASU interventions under International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI)
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Preventive, wellness-oriented approach aligns with global holistic healthcare focus
- Prakriti-based treatment offers individualized healthcare solutions
- Backed by 5,000+ years of traditional knowledge
- Strong complementarity with modern medicine in:
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive care
- Rehabilitation
Weaknesses
- No formal recognition as a medical system in many countries
- Lacks uniform international regulatory framework
- Limited availability of certified practitioners abroad
- Difficult to generate RCT-based evidence for personalized treatments
- Inconsistent GMP, quality concerns, limited insurance coverage
Opportunities
- USD 1 trillion global wellness market
- Rising demand for nutraceuticals, functional foods, preventive healthcare
- Growing Medical Value Travel (MVT)
- WHO GTMC engagement and ICHI adoption
- Ayush Visa, Ayush Scholarships initiatives
Threats
- Weak coordination among stakeholders
- Products exported mainly as dietary supplements rather than regulated medicines
- Rapid TCM expansion with strong government backing
- Challenge of preserving classical principles while meeting modern standards
Ayurveda vs Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
| Parameter | TCM | Ayurveda |
|---|---|---|
| Global Exports | USD 5.4 billion | USD 2.16 billion (2023) |
| US Practitioners | 34,000+ licensed acupuncturists | ~5,000 abroad |
| US Regulation | Regulated in 47 US states | Limited recognition |
| Overseas Centres | 30+ through BRI | GTMC in Jamnagar, Ayush Information Cells |
| Insurance | Covered under Medicare (US), Japan, Germany | Primarily in India |
| ISO Standards | Dedicated ISO technical committee | No dedicated committee |
NITI Aayog's Strategic Roadmap
Short Term (up to 2029) - Foundation Building
- Mission Steering Group (MSG) chaired by Minister of Ayush
- Global Ayurveda Register (GAR) - WHO-aligned digital credentialing and CPD system
- Global Information Portal - single-window resource on licensing, visas, compliance
- Fast-track WHO-GMP-equivalent certification for manufacturers
- Export Edition of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia with GACP-based sourcing
- Ayurveda Trade Dashboard with proper HS codes alignment
Medium Term (up to 2035) - Market Integration
- Pursue registrations under EU's THMPD
- Pilot insurance coverage in select OECD countries
- Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with G20, BRICS, ASEAN
- Ayurveda electives in international medical schools
- International Ayurveda MVT hubs (starting with Mauritius)
- Ayush Visa packages with diagnostics, treatment, tele-consultation
- Scale up multi-country trials through WHO Collaborating Centres
- Modernize Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
Long Term (up to 2047) - Systemic Integration
- Formal recognition in at least 20 national health systems
- Insurance coverage for defined indications in at least 10 countries:
- Chronic low back pain
- Knee osteoarthritis
- IBS-type conditions
- Stress/sleep disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
- Women's health
- Global network of International Ayurveda Centres of Excellence
- Trusted, evidence-forward global brand narrative
Key Constitutional/Legal Provisions
- Drug and Cosmetics Act - governs GMP standards
- Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) - protects IPR under Patents Act
- National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) - regulatory body for Ayurveda education and practice
Drishti Mains Question
Despite its rich heritage, Ayurveda has lagged behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in global acceptance. Examine the reasons and suggest measures for its globalisation.
UPSC PYQ Reference
(2019 Mains) How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?