In a move to promote evidence-based scientific research in traditional Indian systems of medicine, the Ministry of Ayush has established several independent apex research councils. These include the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), and the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN). These councils are engaged in clinical research, medicinal plant research, drug standardization, pharmacological studies, and literary documentation. Additionally, they collaborate with universities, hospitals, and institutions for joint studies, and provide healthcare services through OPDs and IPDs. Outreach initiatives include special geriatric clinics and programmes like the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP), Swasthya Rakshan Programme, and Ayurveda Mobile Health Care Programme under the Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP).
The Ministry has also implemented the Central Sector Scheme, “AYURGYAN,” to provide financial support to medical, scientific, and R&D institutions in both government and private sectors. This scheme encourages innovation and research in priority areas of Ayush.
Over the past three years, CCRAS has undertaken 189 research studies and published 522 papers. CCRUM has conducted 104 studies and published 484 papers. CCRH has undertaken 184 studies and published 88, while CCRS conducted 32 studies with 195 publications. CCRYN has undertaken 63 research studies during the same period.
The Ministry is working toward integrating Ayush with modern evidence-based medical practices. In collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Ministry and CCRAS have established the Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) at AIIMS. The initiative aims to conduct focused research in integrative healthcare, and four AIIMS centers—Delhi, Jodhpur, Nagpur, and Rishikesh—have been designated for specific areas such as gastrointestinal disorders, women and child health, geriatric care, and cancer care.
To promote Unani medicine within evidence-based frameworks, CCRUM has signed MoUs with several institutions, including AIIMS, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, NIPER, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Anna University, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
CCRS is providing palliative care for cancer patients through an integrated Siddha OPD at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, and a clinical research unit at Safdarjung Hospital.
Meanwhile, CCRH is working to integrate homoeopathy with mainstream healthcare through partnerships with institutions like AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Jhajjar. Homoeopathy services are being offered in allopathic hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi Cantonment General Hospital, BRD Medical College (Gorakhpur), and civil hospitals in Aizwal (Mizoram) and Dimapur (Nagaland).
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.