The Ministry of Ayush actively promotes scientific Ayush research through its established 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 Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN). These councils conduct diverse activities, aiming to advance traditional Indian medicine systems.
Key Areas of Ayush Research and Development
These councils engage in core research activities across several critical areas. Specifically, they focus on clinical research, medicinal plant research (including medico-ethno botanical surveys, pharmacognosy, and cultivation), drug standardisation, pharmacological research, and literary research & documentation programs. Furthermore, they undertake collaborative studies with various universities, hospitals, and institutes to broaden their impact.
Expanding Healthcare Through Ayush Systems
The Ministry of Ayush also extends healthcare services through Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and In-Patient Departments (IPDs). Additionally, they operate special clinics for geriatric healthcare. Outreach activities are also a priority, encompassing the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP), Swasthya Rakshan Programme, and Ayurveda Mobile Health Care Programme under the Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP).
The AYURGYAN Scheme: Fueling Ayush Research and Innovation
The Ministry of Ayush has implemented the Central Sector Scheme, AYURGYAN. This scheme provides financial assistance to medical, scientific, and Research & Development institutions, alongside university and institutional departments in both government and private sectors. The scheme specifically encourages research, innovation, and development in priority areas of Ayush.
Integrating Ayush into Mainstream Healthcare
The CCRUM has taken significant steps to integrate Unani with evidence-based medical practices. Consequently, the Council has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various academic and scientific organizations. These include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. Other collaborations involve Anna University, Chennai, the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Srinagar.
Moreover, CCRS runs an Integrated Siddha OPD for cancer patients at the All India Institute of Ayurveda campus, New Delhi. Also, a Siddha Clinical Research Unit at Safdarjung, New Delhi, aids in the palliative care of cancer patients through the Siddha system. This focus on specific patient groups and conditions aligns with advancements in specialized medical fields. For professionals looking to deepen their understanding in such areas, OC Academy offers dedicated programs like the Certification Course In Clinical Oncology.
Similarly, CCRH is working towards integrating Homoeopathy with mainstream healthcare. They undertake research through collaboration and cooperation in integrative medicine with AIIMS, Delhi, AIIMS, Jhajjar, Haryana, and other State Government and Private Homoeopathic Medical Colleges. Therefore, the Council provides homoeopathy treatment for various clinical conditions in several allopathic hospitals.
References
- Ministry of Ayush promotes scientific research through apex research councils – ETHealthworld.
- Ministry of Ayush Promotes Scientific Research Through Apex Research Councils – PIB. (July 29, 2025).
- Ministry of Ayush promotes scientific research through apex research councils – ANI News. (July 29, 2025).
- Government Strengthens Qualitative Production and Distribution of Ayush Medicines through Comprehensive Regulatory and Certification Initiatives – PIB. (July 29, 2025).
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
- AYURGYAN Scheme – Ayush NGO Portal.
- AYURGYAN Scheme – Ministry of Ayush.