What is National AYUSH Mission?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
NAM aims to provide cost-effective AYUSH services with universal access. It focuses on upgrading AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries.
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The mission supports the cultivation of medicinal plants by providing subsidies and technical assistance to farmers. This helps ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for AYUSH medicines.
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NAM promotes research and development in AYUSH systems. It supports research projects to validate the efficacy of AYUSH treatments.
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The scheme provides financial assistance to states and union territories for implementing AYUSH programs. The funding is typically shared between the central and state governments.
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NAM supports the establishment of AYUSH educational institutions. It aims to improve the quality of AYUSH education and training.
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The mission promotes the integration of AYUSH with modern medicine. This includes training AYUSH practitioners in basic medical procedures.
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NAM focuses on creating awareness about AYUSH systems. It conducts public awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of AYUSH.
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The scheme supports the standardization and quality control of AYUSH drugs. This helps ensure the safety and efficacy of AYUSH medicines.
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NAM promotes the use of technology in AYUSH healthcare. This includes the development of digital platforms for AYUSH practitioners and patients.
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The mission supports the establishment of wellness centers based on AYUSH principles. These centers provide holistic healthcare services.
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NAM encourages public-private partnerships in the AYUSH sector. This helps leverage private sector expertise and resources.
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The scheme provides support for the establishment of AYUSH drug manufacturing units. This helps boost domestic production of AYUSH medicines.
Recent Developments
9 developmentsIn 2023, the government launched the 'AYUSH-Next' initiative to promote research and innovation in AYUSH.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre was established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with support from the Indian government.
The government is promoting the integration of AYUSH with the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).
There are ongoing debates about the scope of practice for AYUSH practitioners and the issue of 'mixopathy'.
The government is working on strengthening the regulatory framework for AYUSH drugs to ensure quality and safety.
The recent Union Budget 2026-27 allocated increased resources for the AYUSH sector.
The India-EU FTA opens up opportunities for Indian AYUSH practitioners and products in European markets.
The government is focusing on promoting AYUSH-based tourism and wellness centers.
The Bharat-VISTAAR multilingual AI assistant will help farmers growing medicinal plants.
This Concept in News
2 topicsKerala Inaugurates Ayurveda Research Institute, Seeks Global Recognition
26 Feb 2026The news highlights the importance of research and development in the AYUSH sector, a key component of the National AYUSH Mission. It demonstrates how the mission's objectives are being implemented at the state level, with Kerala taking a proactive approach to promote Ayurveda. The news challenges the traditional perception of AYUSH systems by emphasizing the need for scientific validation and integration with modern medicine. It reveals the growing recognition of AYUSH's potential in healthcare and the need for a coordinated approach to develop and promote these systems. Understanding the National AYUSH Mission is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for the Kerala initiative and its significance in the broader national healthcare landscape. The news underscores the mission's role in fostering innovation and collaboration in the AYUSH sector, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.
AYUSH Sector Gets Major Budget Boost: Analysis and Implications
8 Feb 2026The news highlights the government's commitment to developing the AYUSH sector through increased funding and international collaborations. This demonstrates the government's recognition of AYUSH as a viable healthcare option and its potential for economic growth. The India-EU FTA applies the concept of market access to the AYUSH sector, potentially increasing its global reach. The news reveals the growing importance of AYUSH in India's healthcare strategy and its potential to contribute to the economy. However, the news also mentions criticisms about the lack of rigorous evidence and concerns about quality control, which are challenges that the National AYUSH Mission needs to address. Understanding the National AYUSH Mission is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the context for the government's initiatives and the challenges facing the sector. It helps in evaluating the potential impact of the budget increase and the India-EU FTA on the AYUSH sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) and what are its primary objectives?
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is a government scheme to promote and develop traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH). Its primary objectives include improving access to AYUSH services, strengthening AYUSH educational institutions, promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants, and integrating AYUSH systems into the national healthcare system.
Exam Tip
Remember the full form of AYUSH and the main objectives of NAM for prelims.
2. How does the National AYUSH Mission work in practice to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants?
NAM supports the cultivation of medicinal plants by providing subsidies and technical assistance to farmers. This helps ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for AYUSH medicines. The mission also promotes good agricultural practices and certification schemes for medicinal plants.
Exam Tip
Note the focus on sustainable sourcing of raw materials for AYUSH medicines.
3. What are the key provisions of the National AYUSH Mission related to the upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries?
NAM aims to provide cost-effective AYUSH services with universal access. It focuses on upgrading AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries by providing financial assistance for infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and training of personnel. The mission also supports the integration of AYUSH services into existing healthcare facilities.
Exam Tip
Focus on infrastructure development and integration of AYUSH with mainstream healthcare.
4. What are the challenges in the implementation of the National AYUSH Mission?
Challenges in the implementation of NAM include: * Ensuring the quality and standardization of AYUSH drugs. * Addressing the shortage of qualified AYUSH professionals. * Promoting research and development in AYUSH systems to validate their efficacy. * Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of NAM programs.
- •Ensuring the quality and standardization of AYUSH drugs.
- •Addressing the shortage of qualified AYUSH professionals.
- •Promoting research and development in AYUSH systems to validate their efficacy.
- •Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of NAM programs.
Exam Tip
Consider these challenges when evaluating the success of the mission.
5. How has the National AYUSH Mission evolved since its inception in 2014?
Since its launch in 2014, the National AYUSH Mission has evolved by consolidating various existing schemes and focusing on integrating AYUSH systems into the national healthcare system. Recent developments include the 'AYUSH-Next' initiative to promote research and innovation, the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, and the integration of AYUSH with the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).
Exam Tip
Note the recent initiatives like 'AYUSH-Next' and integration with NDHM.
6. What is the significance of the National AYUSH Mission in the context of India's healthcare system?
The National AYUSH Mission is significant because it promotes traditional medicine systems that are deeply rooted in Indian culture and have the potential to provide cost-effective and accessible healthcare solutions. It also supports the sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants and promotes research and development in AYUSH systems, contributing to the overall strengthening of the healthcare system.
Exam Tip
Understand the role of AYUSH in providing affordable and culturally relevant healthcare.
Source Topic
Kerala Inaugurates Ayurveda Research Institute, Seeks Global Recognition
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
The National AYUSH Mission is important for the UPSC exam, especially for GS Paper 2 (Social Justice, Governance) and GS Paper 3 (Economy, Health). It is frequently asked in both prelims and mains. In prelims, questions can be factual, testing your knowledge of the mission's objectives and components.
In mains, questions are often analytical, requiring you to evaluate the mission's impact and challenges. Recent years have seen questions on the role of traditional medicine in healthcare and the government's efforts to promote AYUSH. When answering, focus on the mission's objectives, achievements, challenges, and its contribution to the healthcare sector.
Understanding the legal and regulatory framework is also crucial. For essay papers, AYUSH can be a relevant topic under health or social issues.