AYUSH collaboration with ICMR for scientific validation is right step

Source: This post is created based on the article “Strategic convergence between India and US is growing”, published in The Hindu on 13^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Issues associated with health

News: Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR have at last joined hands to undertake quality human clinical trials.

The collaboration will generate evidence on the benefits of using ayurveda along with modern medicine in treating certain disease conditions of national importance.

This collaboration will be for ayurveda only, initially. The other systems of AYUSH will be included when central councils of the respective AYUSH systems are ready to work with the ICMR.

How will it create a path for inclusion of Ayurveda along with modern medicines?

First, an expert committee will soon decide the area/disease conditions to be included for detailed clinical testing.

Second, clinical trials for each disease will be done by two arms: 1) modern medicine as the standard of care, 2) A combination of modern medicine and ayurveda.

Third, if clinical trials scientifically validate the superiority of combining ayurveda and modern medicine, it will form the basis on which integrated medicine will be offered to patients.

Fourth, trial outcomes will form the basis on which integrated medicine will be offered to patients.

What is the significance of this collaboration?

It is the first major step in the evidence-based approach of validating AYUSH medical interventions.

Previous trials conducted for validating use of AYUSH medicines were not successful.

Evidence-based approach of ICMR will be helpful for scientific validation of traditional medicines in India.