PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? Linkage: The question on protecting traditional knowledge from patenting directly links with India’s global Ayurveda outreach and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, which focus on safeguarding and validating traditional systems. The article highlights India’s investment in research, standardisation, and international cooperation to integrate and protect Ayurveda while projecting it globally. |
Mentor’s Comment
The significance of traditional medicine has moved far beyond being an alternative to modern healthcare. With its widespread practice across 170 countries, increasing global market share, and India’s leadership through AYUSH, traditional medicine now represents a paradigm shift from reactive to preventive healthcare. This article explores the transformation of traditional medicine, India’s global leadership, scientific validation, and its contemporary relevance in addressing both lifestyle diseases and climate change.
Introduction
Traditional medicine, once considered peripheral to mainstream health systems, is increasingly being recognised as central to global health. The World Health Organization reports that 88% of its member-states practise traditional medicine, making it a cornerstone of healthcare for billions. India, with its vibrant AYUSH sector, is at the forefront of this transformation — combining ancient wisdom with modern science, and positioning itself as a global leader in preventive, sustainable, and inclusive healthcare.
Why is traditional medicine in the news?
The growing relevance of Ayurveda and related systems has been highlighted due to multiple firsts and major developments. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India marks a historic milestone, anchoring India as a hub for global research and innovation in this field. The AYUSH industry’s eight-fold growth within a decade, and exports reaching $1.54 billion to 150 countries, reflect the scale of transformation. With the 2025 theme of “Ayurveda for People & Planet”, traditional medicine is being reframed not just as healthcare but as a holistic movement addressing lifestyle diseases, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
How significant is the global presence of traditional medicine?
- WHO report: 170 of 194 countries (88%) practise traditional medicine.
- Primary healthcare: For billions in low- and middle-income countries, it remains the first line of treatment due to affordability and accessibility.
- Market size: Global traditional medicine market projected to hit $583 billion by 2025, growing at 10–20% annually.
- Country data: China’s TCM valued at $122.4 billion, Australia’s herbal medicine at $3.97 billion, India’s AYUSH sector at $43.4 billion.
What has been India’s transformation in AYUSH?
- Industrial growth: Over 92,000 MSMEs drive the AYUSH sector. Revenues expanded from â‚ą21,697 crore (2014-15) to â‚ą1.37 lakh crore today.
- Services sector: Generated â‚ą1.67 lakh crore in revenue.
- Exports: AYUSH and herbal products worth $1.54 billion reach over 150 countries.
- Recognition abroad: Ayurveda now has formal recognition as a medical system in multiple nations.
- Public awareness: NSSO (2022-23) survey — 95% rural, 96% urban awareness; over half of India used AYUSH in the past year.
How is India promoting scientific validation and global outreach?
- Research institutions: AIIMS Ayurveda, National Institute of Ayurveda, and CCRAS focus on drug standardisation, clinical validation, and integrative care models.
- International cooperation: 25 bilateral agreements, 52 institutional partnerships, 43 AYUSH cells in 39 countries, 15 academic chairs abroad.
- WHO Centre: WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India integrates traditional knowledge with AI, big data, and digital health.
- AI integration: WHO publication highlights AI’s role in predictive care and strengthening clinical validation.
Why is Ayurveda relevant to global challenges today?
- Philosophy of balance: Between body–mind, human–nature, consumption–conservation.
- Lifestyle diseases: Offers preventive care against rising global non-communicable diseases.
- Climate change: Promotes sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
- Beyond humans: Extends to veterinary care and plant health.
- Theme 2025: “Ayurveda for People & Planet” underlines Ayurveda as both a wellness system and a planetary health framework.
Conclusion
Traditional medicine, led by Ayurveda, has transitioned from being an ancient practice to a modern global movement. India’s leadership, backed by research, exports, and global outreach, has made it central to the evolving global health architecture. As the world faces lifestyle disorders and ecological crises, Ayurveda’s holistic framework offers sustainable solutions for both people and the planet.
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