Source: The post Traditional medicine supports people and planet wellbeing has been created, based on the article “The growing relevance of traditional medicine” published in “ The Hindu ” on 23 September 2025. Traditional medicine supports people and planet wellbeing.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 –Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context: Traditional medicine is moving into the mainstream as systems pivot from reactive treatment to preventive, root-cause care. With “Ayurveda for People & Planet” designated for 2025 (Ayurveda Day, September 23), the stage is set to link personal health with biodiversity, nutrition security, and sustainable livelihoods.
For detailed information on Ayurveda-Future of Health read this article here
What guides 2025 Ayurveda for People & Planet?
- Core philosophy: Ayurveda seeks balance between body and mind, humans and nature, and consumption and conservation.
2. Whole-of-life scope: Its principles cover human wellness, veterinary care, and plant health.
3. Care model: It prioritises preventive, affordable, inclusive, and sustainable care.
4. Occasion and theme: The 2025 theme, “Ayurveda for People & Planet,” frames responses to lifestyle diseases and climate change.
Why does traditional medicine matter globally?
- High prevalence. WHO notes practice in 170 of 194 countries (88%). It serves billions, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
2. Market momentum. The market may reach $583 billion by 2025, growing 10%–20% annually.
3. Country snapshots. Traditional Chinese medicine is $122.4 billion; Australia’s herbal sector $3.97 billion; India’s AYUSH $43.4 billion.
4. Beyond treatment. It supports biodiversity conservation, nutrition security, and sustainable livelihoods.
For detailed information on National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine read this article here
How India’s AYUSH sector transformed?
- Enterprise base: Over 92,000 MSMEs drive production and services.
2. Revenue expansion: Manufacturing rose from ₹21,697 crore (2014–15) to over 21.37 lakh crore; services generated ₹1.67 lakh crore.
3. Exports and recognition; AYUSH and herbal products worth $1.54 billion reach 150+ countries; Ayurveda gains formal recognition abroad.
4. Public adoption: Survey on AYUSH by the National Sample Survey Office (2022–23) shows 95% rural and 96% urban awareness; over half used AYUSH in the past year, with Ayurveda preferred for rejuvenation and prevention.
What powers scientific validation and outreach?
- Research institutions: The All India Institute of Ayurveda, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, National Institute of Ayurveda, and CCRAS lead studies.
2. Focus areas: Clinical validation, drug standardisation, and integrative models align traditional knowledge with modern practice.
3. Global ties: Under the International Cooperation Scheme: 25 bilateral agreements, 52 institutional partnerships, 43 AYUSH Information Cells in 39 countries, and 15 academic chairs.
4. WHO centre and AI: The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India advances digital, data, and AI integration; WHO highlights AI for validation, big-data analytics, and predictive care.
For detailed information on Global Centre for Traditional Medicine read this article here
Way forward
- Convergence: Ancient wisdom combined with modern science and technology strengthens traditional systems in global health architecture.
2. Signal moment: Ayurveda Day underscores the potential for balanced, sustainable futures for people and the planet.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s AYUSH sector has transformed in scale, research, and global outreach since 2014–15.
