Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH

Context:  The Ministry of AYUSH has recently launched several initiatives to foster the global growth and awareness of Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems.

Overview of the Scheme

The Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation (IC Scheme) aims to promote and strengthen global awareness of AYUSH systems of medicine.

Objectives:

1. International Promotion and Development: Facilitate the global recognition of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
2. Stakeholder Interaction and Market Development: Encourage interaction among stakeholders and develop international markets for AYUSH products and services.
3. Expert Exchange and Information Sharing: Support the exchange of experts and information across borders.
4. Global Boost for AYUSH: Promote AYUSH education, research, training, and services worldwide.
5. Academic and Research Promotion: Establish AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign countries to enhance research and academic collaboration.

Key Initiatives and Measures

1. Traditional Medicine and Homoeopathy

• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Signed with 24 foreign nations to promote traditional medicine systems.

2. AYUSH Academic Chairs in Foreign Nations

• Collaborations: MoUs established with 15 international institutes to set up AYUSH Chairs.

3. Research and Academic Collaborations

• Regular MoUs at the institutional level to foster research and academic partnerships.

4. AYUSH Information Cells

• 42 Information Cells established in 38 foreign nations to disseminate knowledge about AYUSH systems.

5. International AYUSH Fellowship/Scholarship Program

• Scholarships for foreign nationals to pursue AYUSH courses in recognized Indian AYUSH institutions.
• Current Status:
  • 260 students from 32 countries are enrolled in AYUSH programs under this fellowship scheme.

AYUSH Academic Chairs

Objective:

To promote academic exchange, research, and public awareness of AYUSH systems, leading to their recognition and acceptance in host countries.

Establishment Process:

1. Initiation: Either through bilateral agreements or at the request of a foreign institution willing to host an AYUSH Chair.
2. MoU Signing: Between the foreign university and an institution under the Ministry of AYUSH.
3. Selection: A qualified AYUSH expert is chosen for the role.
4. Deputation: The selected expert is deputed to the foreign university.

Responsibilities:

• Ministry of AYUSH: Covers the salary and travel expenses of the Chair.
• Host Foreign University: Provides rent-free accommodation and local hospitality.

Duration:

The Chair is initially deputed for 1 year, extendable up to 3 years.

Functional AYUSH Academic Chairs:

Currently established in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia.

Conclusion:

The Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH reflects the Ministry's commitment to enhancing the global presence and acceptance of AYUSH systems through strategic partnerships, academic exchanges, and research initiatives. It plays a crucial role in fostering international collaboration, spreading traditional knowledge, and boosting the global market for AYUSH products and services.