Why in News: Ayurveda Day 2025 (Sept 23) themed “Ayurveda for People & Planet” highlights India’s rising AYUSH sector and WHO’s global push for traditional medicine.
Why Traditional Medicine is Rising
- Accessibility & Affordability: In LMICs, it remains the first line of care, bridging gaps where modern health systems are weak.
- Philosophical Shift: From curative, symptom-focused care → preventive & holistic models addressing root causes.
- Market Signals: Projected at $583 bn by 2025, reflecting both consumer demand and economic opportunity.
India’s Position
- Domestic Expansion: AYUSH sector grew 8-fold in a decade (₹21,697 cr → ₹1.37 lakh cr). Awareness almost universal (95–96%).
- Global Outreach: Exporting to 150+ countries; Ayurveda recognised formally abroad. WHO locating its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India signals credibility.
- Soft Power: AYUSH enhances India’s cultural diplomacy, similar to yoga’s global reach.
Strengths & Opportunities
1. Health Security: Low-cost, preventive solutions for lifestyle diseases, complementing allopathic systems.
2. Sustainability: Promotes biodiversity conservation, ethical sourcing, and livelihood generation.
3. Innovation: Integration with AI, big data, digital health opens space for clinical validation and predictive care.
4. One Health Vision: Extends to animal & plant health, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Challenges
- Need for scientific validation and strict quality standards.
- Risk of commercialisation without regulation.
- Integration with mainstream health must be complementary, not competitive.
Conclusion
Traditional medicine is not just an alternative—it is becoming a parallel pillar in global health architecture. For India, leveraging AYUSH as both a domestic health strategy and a global soft power tool requires balancing scientific rigour with cultural heritage.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice, Health): Role of traditional medicine in achieving Universal Health Coverage (SDG-3.8).
GS Paper III (Economy, Environment, Science & Tech): AYUSH as a sunrise industry,
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Traditional medicine is increasingly shaping the discourse on affordable and inclusive healthcare.” Examine with reference to India.