Efforts to integrate traditional medicines with allopathy: Government

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ayush Ministry Shripad Yesso Naik said there is increased demand for traditional medicine and an MoU with WHO will soon be signed for research in traditional medicines like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. 

Replying to questions, Naik also said that Indian and US scientists are jointly working on cancer medicine research and an MoU would be signed soon. 

He said a team of 15 American scientists had come to India and are jointly working in evolving cancer research medicines. The Minister said integration of traditional medicines with Allopathy is being undertaken in six districts across the country, where all health centres, primary and community, will provide treatment to patients by all methods for best results. 

“We have started it as a pilot project. If successful, we will introduce it in other parts of the country,” he said.

He said a new building of Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Cancer research will come up at Worli in Mumbai. 

The Ayush Ministry is financing states through National Medicinal Plantation Board (NMPB) under Centrally-sponsored schemes for cultivating medicinal plants across the country, Naik said. 

The Ministry has spent 97 per cent of its budget during 2015-16 and states’ share of 100 per cent has been disbursed. 

In his written reply, he said different research councils are looking after research and development activities in areas of traditional system of medicines and a total of 10 herbal medicine research centres are functioning in the country.