| Introduction: Give a background explanation of the Integrated System of Medicine. Body: Summarise the benefits of this new system in 3–4 sentences. Give criticism of integrated system. Write about what we can do to improve it. Conclusion: Provide a brief conclusion and your fair judgement. |
Integrated system of Medicine as the name implies relies on the integration of the modern system of medicine alongside the alternate system of medicine or as in India we would like to call the traditional system of medicine. This system is recently seen in the cooperation between ICMR and the Ministry of Ayush which allows the Ayush department in AIIMS to evolve into a department of integrated medicine.
Contents
What are its salient features?
- Treatment: The area of treatment offers a wide range of health-related services and treatments all under the same hospital.
- Research: In terms of research it would widely contribute to and complement efforts of the modern medicine system to help find treatment for non-communicable which is rapidly increasing in India.
- Alternate Medicine: Since the alternate medicine system industry is widespread all-round the globe it could offer a chance of learning new practices and also offer India to project its Ayurveda and Yoga as complementary and alternative to costly medical procedures.
- Integrated Medicine Journals: There will be journals related to integrated medicine which will be peer-reviewed to align the benefits of both systems for healthy living.
- Showcasing India’s Wisdom and Soft Power: It will showcase India’s wisdom and soft power to the world and offer a new way of living.
What are the criticisms of integrated systems?
- Modern Medicine Practitioners: The practitioners of the modern medicine system argue that the new policy will not work well as it is based on pseudo-scientific practices.
- Lack of Evidence: There is a lack of evidence to support the cause of alternative medicine and it leads to healthcare being offered by quacks in small towns which leads to the wastage of time & money of common people.
- Promotion without Evidence: Alternate systems are highly promoted and advertised without any evidence shown related to their safety and efficacy.
- Neglect of Pharmacovigilance: There is neglect of pharmacovigilance which leads to adulteration and contamination of the product leading to adverse effects on the body.
Way forward:
- Standardized Formulations and Quality Control: There need to be standardized formulations related to medicines with a focus on quality control.
- Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and Peer Review: These drug formulations should be subject to randomized control trials (RCTs) and their process should be peer-reviewed.
- Focus on Lifestyle Changes and Preventive Medicine: More focus should be on developing habits related to effective lifestyle changes and focus on preventive medicine treatments.
- Addressing Barriers to Healthcare: The 5A’s – awareness, access, acceptability, affordability, and accountability are barriers to healthcare which need to be addressed urgently.
- Effective Communication and Compassionate Care: Lastly focus should be on effective communication and compassionate care between doctors and patients.
Conclusion:
A good integrative medicine system with evidence-based results can bridge the huge gap of providing active healthcare to the masses.
