Can AYUSH Treatments Offer Solutions for Modern Health Challenges?

India is seeing a renewed interest in its ancient healing systems, especially in the context of rising lifestyle diseases and the limitations of modern medicine in prevention and long-term wellness. At the heart of this resurgence lies the AYUSH healthcare system, which encompasses Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. With increasing government backing, public demand, and global recognition, AYUSH treatments are steadily proving their relevance in tackling modern health issues.

The Foundation: National AYUSH Mission and Ministry of AYUSH

The National AYUSH Mission, launched in 2014, plays a pivotal role in strengthening the infrastructure and reach of AYUSH services. Its objectives include:

Upgrading existing AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries.
Establishing wellness centres across rural and urban India.
Promoting preventive healthcare through community outreach and education.

Backed by the Ministry of AYUSH, the sector is now seeing robust investment and integration into mainstream public healthcare. This signals a strategic shift towards a more holistic approach to health.

AYUSH Healthcare Delivery System: Meeting Diverse Needs

The AYUSH healthcare delivery system addresses both preventive and curative needs. As of April 2024, over 1.72 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat are operational, offering accessible services nationwide.

These centres provide:

Lifestyle counselling.
Free medicines and diagnostics.
Treatment of common ailments using AYUSH therapies.

This outreach has helped bridge healthcare gaps, especially in rural and tribal areas, where access to conventional medicine remains limited.

Integration with Modern Healthcare

In recent years, efforts to integrate AYUSH with allopathic systems have gained momentum. Institutions like the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR) at AIIMS and AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research are conducting trials to validate AYUSH therapies for chronic and non-communicable diseases.

The mandatory internship in AYUSH practices for MBBS students, approved in 2023 by the National Medical Commission, is a significant move to foster integrative medicine education in India.

Modern Relevance: Addressing Lifestyle and Chronic Conditions

The rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension has made people more health-conscious. Here, AYUSH treatments offer preventive and personalized solutions that align well with modern needs.

Yoga and Ayurveda help manage stress, metabolic disorders, and musculoskeletal issues.
Homeopathy and Unani provide safe, long-term care for allergies, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
Siddha and naturopathy focus on detoxification and lifestyle modification.

These therapies, tailored to individual constitutions, promote holistic well-being, making them highly suitable for today’s health challenges.

Expanding Global Footprint: AYUSH and Herbal Products

India’s AYUSH and herbal products are finding new markets globally. The AYUSH sector’s exports touched US$ 1.26 billion in 2021. The government’s push for standardization through the AYUSH mark ensures that exported products meet international quality standards.

The AYUSH Export Promotion Council, formed in 2023, aims to further boost India’s share in the global wellness economy by promoting herbal products, supplements, and natural remedies.

AYUSH Services: Driving Wellness Tourism

India is now positioning itself as a global wellness tourism hub. Initiatives like the Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 and Ayurveda wellness packages in Goa are drawing international attention.

States like Kerala, Goa, and Uttarakhand are investing in wellness infrastructure to attract health tourists seeking detoxification, rejuvenation, and traditional healing experiences.

Such efforts create economic opportunities while showcasing India’s rich traditional knowledge.

Key Developments Strengthening the Sector

Several recent developments have reinforced the role of AYUSH in the national health strategy:

AYUSH Diksha Centre in Bhubaneswar for training and capacity building.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) projects in Darbhanga and Dhargal.
Inclusion of 170 AYUSH packages in Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY for broader coverage.
Collaboration with Indonesia on traditional medicine quality standards.
Substance abuse and senior citizen healthcare MoUs with the Department of Social Justice.

Such initiatives show how the PM-JAY Scheme and AYUSH services can work together for a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

Investment and Budget Growth

The 2025-26 Union Budget allocated ₹3,992.9 crore (US$ 461.3 million) to the Ministry of AYUSH, marking a 14.2% year-on-year increase. This includes:

₹457.2 crore for the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
₹214.5 crore for the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine.
₹251.2 crore for the All India Institute of Ayurveda.

These investments will support research, quality control, and skilled workforce development, which are essential for the sector’s sustainable growth.

Public Health Initiatives and Community Outreach

Public health programs such as Ayurswasthya, Swasthya Rakshan, and Mobile Healthcare Research Projects are expanding the reach of AYUSH treatments to tribal and marginalized communities.

The establishment of AYUSHman Arogya Mandirs and promotion of AYUSH through digital platforms like e-Aushadhi also reflect the government's intent to improve service accessibility and transparency.

The Market Boom: AYUSH Industry’s Growth Trajectory

The AYUSH market in India has grown from US$ 2.85 billion in 2014 to US$ 24 billion in 2024—nearly tenfold in just a decade. This exceptional growth is fueled by:

Increasing consumer preference for natural and preventive healthcare.
Global demand for Ayurvedic, herbal, and organic products.
Digital retailing of wellness products and online consultations.

This exponential rise presents exciting investment opportunities in AYUSH-based education, product development, clinical research, and global collaborations.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its growth, the AYUSH sector must address a few challenges:

Need for more evidence-based clinical studies.
Improving quality control in herbal product manufacturing.
Ensuring standardized training and licensing of practitioners.
Strengthening integration with public health services.

Government schemes like SPARK, Ayurgyan, and collaborations with scientific institutions are already addressing these gaps.

With continued support, the AYUSH healthcare system can become a pillar of India’s national health framework and a model for global healthcare.

Conclusion: A Holistic Future for Indian Healthcare

AYUSH treatments are no longer seen as alternatives but as essential complements to modern healthcare. They offer preventive care, cost-effective therapies, and a focus on wellness—key ingredients for a healthy society.

By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, India is setting a new standard for integrative health. Backed by strong policies, expanding infrastructure, and rising global interest, the future of Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana and the broader AYUSH ecosystem looks promising.

To stay informed on India’s progress in holistic healthcare, visit the India Brand Equity Foundation—your trusted source for verified insights.