Page 36 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

2. Country Policy on Traditional Medicine

Since its first Health Policy i.e., in 1983 India had emphasised on the growth,

development and integration of Traditional Medicine in health care delivery.

2.1 National Health Policy 1983:

It sought to develop the Traditional Medicines and also to integrate them with

Modern or Contemporary medicine for achieving preventive, promotive and public health
objectives.

2.2 National policy on Indian System of Medicine & Homoeopathy 2002:

The implementation of National Policy on Indian Systems of Medicine and
Homeopathy adopted in 2002, led to phased integration of Indian System of Medicine

(ISM) with health delivery systems, enabling considerable expansion of AYUSH services.

2.3 National Health Policy 2017 (NHP-2017):

The policy aims the attainment of the highest possible level of health and wellbeing

for all at all ages, through a preventive and promotive health care orientation. It has
the following Policy provisions for Ayush system of medicine:
a) Pluralism: Pluralistic health care management is the key policy principle of

NHP 2017. Patients would have access to Ayush care providers. These systems

would also have Government support in research and supervision to develop
and enrich their contribution to meeting the national health goals and
objectives through integrative practices.

b) Mainstreaming the Potential of Ayush: NHP 2017 emphasises on

mainstreaming Ayush by:
i. ensuring access to Ayush remedies through co-location in public facilities
ii. recognising the need to standardise and validate Ayurvedic medicines and

establish a robust and effective quality control mechanism for AUSH

drugs
iii. recognising the need to nurture AYUSH system of medicine, through
development of infrastructural facilities of teaching institutions, improving

quality control of drugs, capacity building of institutions and professionals.

In addition, it recognises the need for building research and public health
India
skills for preventive and promotive healthcare.

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