Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: The Ministry of AYUSH has marked a remarkable 100 days by establishing key international partnerships, including a Donor Agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) signed on July 31, 2024, in Geneva. This agreement reinforces India’s commitment to integrating AYUSH systems into the global healthcare framework. Additionally, on August 1, India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on medicinal plants, while a landmark MoU with Malaysia on Ayurveda promotes research and the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at University Tunku Abdul Rahman. The Ministry launched the “One Herb, One Standard” initiative on August 6, 2024, aiming to standardize herbal medicines for enhanced safety and efficacy. Plans are also underway to open special medical stores for AYUSH medicines at every tehsil level, improving public access to traditional treatments. Furthermore, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has completed evaluations of 1,489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities, with 1,005 certified for Ayush Entry Level Certification, promoting high-quality healthcare under the National Ayush Mission.
The Ministry launched the “Har Ghar Ayur Yog” campaign, promoting Ayurveda and Yoga in communities, while successfully organizing 14,692 AYUSH camps for the elderly, exceeding its target. Six new Centers of Excellence have been established with ₹52.47 crore in funding, and Ayurvedic packages have been integrated into the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to enhance affordability. Additionally, three Central Research Institutes for Yoga and Naturopathy are in the preliminary stages of establishment, further strengthening research capabilities in traditional medicine. The Ministry’s participation in the Swachhata Hi Sewa 2024 campaign highlights its commitment to cleanliness and community engagement.
The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, operates under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. With a dedicated focus on enhancing the health and well-being of the tribal population, RARI conducts comprehensive research initiatives and community outreach programs aimed at advancing Ayurvedic healthcare. Located in Chakkargaon, the institute is committed to delivering effective Ayurvedic treatments free of cost to general and geriatric patients. RARI provides free Ayurvedic treatment and medicines through its regular Outpatient Department (OPD) and outreach programs, notably the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP). Since its inception in 1984, RARI has treated over 216,898 patients. The institute has also conducted extensive health surveys, covering more than 137,000 individuals, and has initiated significant research projects, including a medico-botanical survey to explore native medicinal plants and studies assessing the effectiveness of Ayurveda in tribal communities. Currently institute conducts research in the assessment of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in general public of South Andaman District and its relation to human prakriti. Additionally Institute is involved in the survey, healthcare and ayurvedic research among the tribal population in remote villages of the isles. Through collaborations, such as the recent MoU with ICAR-CIARI to standardize agro-techniques for medicinal plants, RARI is dedicated to enhancing Ayurvedic practices and community health outcomes.
In addition to research and clinical services, RARI engages in various extension activities that benefit both the general and tribal populations of the Islands. These initiatives include distributing prophylactic Ayurvedic medicines, immunity-boosting kits, medicinal plants and conducting free Ayurvedic medical camps. The institute also organizes awareness lectures and promotes traditional Ayurvedic food items, further fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness in the region.
Leave a Reply