Promote Integration

Integration of Ayurveda into mainstream medicine requires evidence-based research that maintains the fidelity to its fundamental axioms. The theme provides a framework for action, discusses the opportunities and emerging challenges for integrating Ayurveda to address the future needs of affordable holistic healthcare

‘‘The body is one integrated system, not a collection of organs divided up by medical specialties. The medicine of the future connects everything.’’
- Mark Hyman

Burden of Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases account for approximately 75% of the nation’s aggregate health care spending. The most compelling reason for integration is the predicted increase in the global burden of chronic diseases and the escalating healthcare cost. The integrative practices of Ayurveda is gaining popularity as an affordable option for managing and preventing chronic diseases.

Healing Oriented Care

Increased dissatisfaction with existing healthcare services has rekindled interest in ‘healing-oriented care’ in Ayurveda. Currently, there is poor integration of Ayurveda into the health systems due predominance of hospital-based, disease-oriented services. The integrative and patient-centered approach in Ayurveda can make a big difference.

Quality and Safety

Ayurveda has well-developed pharmacology with more than 1,700 medical substances of botanical, animal, and mineral origin and about 40,000 different formulae. It is important to strengthen research and use contemporary evidence to develop quality control standards that can guide consumers, manufacturers, regulators, and policymakers.

Regulation

An appropriate regulatory framework can increase the credibility and accessibility of Ayurveda. The regulation of Ayurvedic products and practices need to be strengthened and there is a need to harmonize the regulations to ensure the safety and quality of Ayurvedic products and services.

Planning and Policy

A knowledge-based policy is key for integrating Ayurveda into national health systems. Systematic reviews serve as a tool for evidence-based decision-making for health planners and policymakers. It is important to embrace novel research designs and methods that use real-world evidence (RWE) to complement RCT and build a broad evidence base to inform policy and decision-makers.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Integration of Ayurveda with National health care systems varies widely across countries.

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is a commitment to health for all. Diversity and inclusion directly impact patient health outcomes, and quality of care and promote equitable access to holistic care