Critics should judge Ayurveda based on science, says AYUSH secretary
11-Dec-24 05:47:06

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), has urged critics of Ayurveda to evaluate the system based on scientific research and published evidence rather than preconceived notions.

“Criticism is essential in a democracy as it allows us to introspect and improve. However, it is crucial to consider the vast scientific literature validating Ayurvedic practices,” Dr. Kotecha said during a recent interaction with The Hindu at Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala. He highlighted that leading scientific journals like The Lancet have featured studies endorsing Ayurvedic treatments.

Referring to the latest survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Dr. Kotecha noted the dramatic rise in awareness of AYUSH among Indians. “In 2015, only 5% of the population was aware of AYUSH. Today, 95% of the rural population and 96% of the urban population recognise its role in health promotion. Of them, 50% actively spend on AYUSH-based healthcare. This transformation is remarkable,” he said.

Winner of many prestigious awards, including Padma Shri for medicine in 2015, Dr. Kotecha said Ayurveda was witnessing a sea-change across the globe with exports of Ayurvedic products increasing significantly.  “Exports have grown more than twofold, with certain products witnessing a tenfold rise. This progress is a result of strong support from both Central and State governments,” he said.

Former vice chancellor of Gujarat Ayurved University, Dr. Kotecha emphasised the importance of embracing scientific advancements in Ayurvedic practice and research. He encouraged practitioners and researchers to leverage modern tools and technologies to enhance their work, stressing that doing so would not compromise their traditional practices.

Source & Credit :- The Hindu