Question : Research in AYUSH Medicine

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA,YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it has come to the notice of Government that there are widespread practices of AYUSH which are incorporated in primary and secondary healthcare including various Siddha medicines popular in the country which is aiding Covid management in various districts of Tamil Nadu;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any steps are being taken by the Government towards research to explore the possibility of developing potential anti-Covid drug and an integrated protocol for prevention and management especially in Tamil Nadu using Siddha medicine; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) Yes, The Government is aware of the widespread practices of AYUSH system of medicine, which are incorporated in primary and secondary healthcare. AYUSH system of medicines including Siddha medicines are popular in aiding Covid management in various districts of Tamil Nadu and other parts of the Country.

(b) Ministry of AYUSH has issued detailed guidelines to be followed by practitioners of each AYUSH system including Siddha for combating Covid-19 pandemic. The details of activities carried out by Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) are enclosed at Annexure-I.
(c) & (d) The Government has taken steps for various research activities to explore the possibility of developing potential anti-Covid drug through its autonomous Research Councils and National Institutions of various AYUSH systems to conduct clinical research in establishing the efficacy of AYUSH medicine including Siddha for prevention and management of Covid-19. Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) and National Institute of Siddha (NIS) are conducting the clinical trials in Tamil Nadu. The details are enclosed at Annexure-II.