Assignment-II

Integration of AYUSH in National Health Programs

In subject
Social and Preventive Pharmacy
Submitted to;

OSMANIA UNIVERSITY
Hyderabad, T/S

B. Pharm-IV year, VIII-SEM (2024-2025)

Submitted By

Saima
Reg. No. 170721881048
Under the supervision of
Mrs. Syeda zuleqaunissa begum
M.Pharm (phd)

Asst. Professor

Department of Pharmaceutics

DECCAN SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

DARUSALAAM, AGHAPURA, HYDERABAD-1 T/S

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 Integration of AYUSH in National Health Programs

1. Introduction

India has a rich tradition of medical knowledge systems, collectively referred to

as AYUSH—an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha,
and Homeopathy. These systems have been integral to Indian culture for centuries
and continue to serve a significant portion of the population. With the rising
burden of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and lifestyle-related
disorders, there is growing recognition of AYUSH's potential in disease
prevention, health promotion, and integrative care. Recognizing this, the
Government of India has taken multiple initiatives to integrate AYUSH into the
national healthcare delivery system, especially through National Health Programs

(NHPs).

2. Rationale for Integration

Health Coverage Gaps: Modern allopathic medicine has limitations in

accessibility and affordability, especially in rural and tribal areas.

Preventive and Holistic Approach: AYUSH focuses on holistic well-being,

lifestyle modification, and prevention.

Patient Preference: Many Indians still prefer traditional healing systems due to
cultural beliefs and trust.

Cost-Effectiveness: AYUSH interventions are generally low-cost and use locally

available resources.

3. Policy Framework for Integration

3.1 National Health Policy 2017

The policy emphasizes mainstreaming AYUSH within public healthcare to

provide choice and ensure comprehensive healthcare. It promotes:

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Co-location of AYUSH services in PHCs, CHCs, and district hospitals.

Research in AYUSH systems.

Integration of AYUSH in preventive and promotive healthcare.

3.2 National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

Launched in 2014, NAM aims to:

Improve AYUSH service delivery.

Enhance AYUSH educational institutions.

Promote AYUSH drugs through standardization and quality control.

Integrate AYUSH into the health system through co-location and collaboration.

4. Models of Integration

4.1 Co-location of Services

Co-location involves placing AYUSH practitioners in the same facilities as

allopathic practitioners, enabling patients to choose their preferred system of care.
This model has been implemented in:

Primary Health Centres (PHCs)

Community Health Centres (CHCs)

District Hospitals (DHs)

4.2 Cross-referral Systems

Patients are referred across systems depending on the nature of the ailment. For
instance:

Yoga for hypertension and diabetes.

Ayurveda for musculoskeletal disorders.

Homeopathy for allergies and dermatological conditions.

4.3 Inclusion in National Health

AYUSH systems have been included in specific NHPs. Examples include:

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National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)

National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)

Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A)

5. Integration in Key National Health Programs

5.1 NPCDCS

Role of AYUSH: Promotion of lifestyle interventions using Yoga and Ayurveda.

Activities: Screening camps, wellness centers, yoga sessions, diet counseling.

Outcomes: Improved compliance in non-pharmacological management of

chronic diseases.

5.2 RMNCH+A

Role of AYUSH: Use of Ayurvedic supplements (e.g., iron-rich formulations),

homeopathic remedies for maternal wellness.

Focus Areas: Antenatal care, anemia prevention, postpartum support.

5.3 NPHCE

Role of AYUSH: Management of age-related diseases using Ayurveda, Siddha,

and Unani.

Services Provided: Panchakarma therapy for arthritis, Rasayana therapy for

rejuvenation.

5.4 National Mental Health Programme

Role of AYUSH: Yoga and meditation for stress, anxiety, and depression.

Evidence Base: Studies show Yoga's effectiveness in improving mental health

outcomes.

6. Challenges in Integration

Despite policy-level support, integration faces several ground-level challenges:

6.1 Lack of Awareness and Training

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Many allopathic practitioners are unfamiliar with AYUSH systems, leading to
limited cooperation.

Cross-training is often inadequate.

6.2 Resource Constraints

Shortage of trained AYUSH personnel.

Poor infrastructure and drug supply chains in remote centers.

6.3 Standardization and Evidence

Lack of large-scale clinical trials validating AYUSH therapies.

Non-uniform practices within AYUSH disciplines.

6.4 Regulatory and Ethical Concerns

Issues related to safety, efficacy, and cross-referral protocols.

Resistance from modern medicine practitioners.

7. Strategies for Effective Integration

To overcome these challenges, the following strategies are suggested:

7.1 Capacity Building

Cross-system training for doctors, nurses, and ASHAs.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) for AYUSH professionals.

7.2 Evidence Generation

Rigorous clinical research to validate AYUSH interventions.

Establishment of AYUSH research councils and collaborations with ICMR and

AIIMS.

7.3 Health Information Systems

Integration of AYUSH data into the Health Management Information System

(HMIS).

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7.4 Public Awareness Campaigns

IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns to raise awareness

about AYUSH benefits.

8. Case Studies and Best Practices

8.1 Kerala Model

Kerala has integrated Ayurveda extensively within its health services, including
palliative care, geriatric clinics, and wellness centers.

8.2 Yoga in Schools and Workplaces

Under the Fit India Movement, yoga sessions have been introduced in educational
and corporate settings with positive feedback.

8.3 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres (AHWCs)

As part of Ayushman Bharat, over 12,500 AHWCs are being set up to deliver
comprehensive primary healthcare through AYUSH systems.

Conclusion

The integration of AYUSH into National Health Programs represents a

progressive step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in India. By
combining the strengths of traditional knowledge systems with modern healthcare
delivery, India can provide culturally acceptable, cost-effective, and holistic care
to its population. However, for successful and sustainable integration, greater
emphasis on evidence-based practices, professional collaboration, and policy
support is essential.

References

_Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. https://www.ayush.gov.in

_source from internet