AYUSH Sector’s Economic Value

21 Aug 2023 AYUSH Sector’s Economic Value

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ AYUSH Sector’s Economic Value ”. The topic “ AYUSH Sector’s Economic Value ” has relevance in the Economy section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About the AYUSH Sector?

For Mains:

GS 3: Economy

Growth of the AYUSH Sector?

Schemes Related to AYUSH?

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit?

Why in the news:

The AYUSH sector is experiencing an impressive trajectory of growth, and this upward trend is expected to persist. 

Amidst this promising scenario, the Ayush sector is positioned to assume a prominent role at the forthcoming World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Summit.

AYUSH Sector

The AYUSH sector is a cornerstone of India’s traditional healthcare systems, reflecting the rich heritage of healing practices deeply ingrained in the country’s culture. These systems provide a diverse range of accessible and affordable healthcare options that enjoy broad public acceptance, serving as vital healthcare providers. The AYUSH sector’s economic value is on the rise, offering crucial services to a significant portion of the population.

Diverse Disciplines Under AYUSH

The AYUSH sector encompasses a variety of disciplines, each with its unique approach to holistic well-being and healing:

• Ayurveda: An ancient system that emphasizes holistic wellness through a balanced approach to life and natural remedies.
• Yoga: A holistic discipline that unites the body, mind, and spirit through physical postures, meditation, and breath control.
• Naturopathy: A natural healing practice that utilizes elements like water, air, sunlight, and diet to stimulate the body’s inherent healing abilities.
• Unani: Based on the balance of bodily humors, Unani medicine uses herbal medicines and therapeutic techniques to restore equilibrium.
• Siddha: Rooted in traditional Tamil medicine, Siddha focuses on the harmonious balance of the five elements and bodily humors.
• Homeopathy: Characterized by the use of highly diluted substances to trigger self-healing responses in the body.

Growth of the AYUSH Sector

Exponential Financial Surge:

• The production of AYUSH medicines and supplements has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Its revenue has surged from 3 billion USD in 2014 to an impressive 18 billion USD in 2020.
• Anticipated growth of 24 billion USD by 2023 underscores its substantial financial impact.

Integration in Healthcare:

• AYUSH-based health and wellness centers have garnered a significant response. Currently, there are around 7,000 operational centers, providing services to approximately 8.42 crore patients as of 2022.
• The sector’s integration into modern healthcare systems is on the rise, showcasing its relevance in contemporary medical practices.

Schemes Related to AYUSH

Several schemes have been launched to bolster the AYUSH sector’s growth and reach:

AYUSH Potential:

• Pluralistic Approach: AYUSH represents a diverse and integrative scheme of health services, capable of contributing significantly to healthcare in India.
• Realizing ‘New India’s’ Vision: AYUSH can play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a ‘New India’ by offering quality healthcare and medical services, while also promoting wellness.
• Addressing Doctor Shortage: With only 80 doctors per lakh population, AYUSH provides a solution to the severe shortage of medical professionals, expanding healthcare access.
• Medical Pluralism: AYUSH’s emphasis on prevention alongside curative aspects aligns well with the evolving healthcare paradigm, making it a valuable addition.
• Boosting Medical Tourism: The rising popularity of AYUSH and alternative medicine positions India to tap into medical tourism, attracting health seekers worldwide.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit:

Overview:

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit is a crucial gathering that underscores the importance of traditional medicine within the global healthcare arena.

• The summit provides a platform for experts, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to shape the future of traditional medicine.
• The inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is set to take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. This summit is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the Indian Government, with India holding the G20 presidency in 2023.

• The summit boasts participation from more than 90 countries. It serves as a gathering of diverse stakeholders representing various sectors of the global healthcare community.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit serves multiple objectives:

• Sharing Best Practices: The event aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices, evidence, data, and innovations in the field of traditional medicine.
• Role in Health and Development: Discussions will center around the role of traditional medicine in promoting health and contributing to sustainable development.

SOURCEhttps://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayush-sector-set-to-grow-to-24-billion-this-year-ayush-secretary-rajesh-kotecha-8893988/#:~:text=The%20production%20of%20Ayurveda%2C%20Yoga,Government%20of%20India%2C%20told%20The

Yojna daily current affairs eng med 21st August 2023

Q.1 The inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is set to take place:

(a) Delhi

(b) Ahmedabad

(c) Gandhinagar

(d) Mumbai

ANSWER: C

Q.2 Consider the following statement regarding National Ayush Mission:

1. It is a mission under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 
2. Its aim is limited to generating awareness about traditional systems of medicine.
3. Naturopathy is not considered as a system of medicine under AYUSH.

How many of the above statement/s is/are correct? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

ANSWER: D

Q.3 Discuss the significance of the AYUSH sector in India’s healthcare landscape. Highlight the diverse disciplines under AYUSH and their contributions to holistic well-being. Analyze the growth of the AYUSH sector, including its economic impact and integration into modern healthcare systems

rishabh