Market share of Ayush sector has grown 4.6 times since 2016: Sonowal

"The Ayush sector has witnessed phenomenal growth, especially during the pandemic", said Sonowal

The Ayush sector is projected to grow to $23.3 billion in 2022, and with India looking to take traditional medicine to the world, its size is likely to grow faster. The upcoming inauguration of the Global Centre of Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is a step in that direction. Ahead of the mega event, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union minister of Ayush and ports, shipping and waterways, talks to Thirumoy Banerjee about the need for traditional medicine, the road ahead for the sector, and how it could contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. Edited excerpts:

What is the primary goal of the Global Centre of Traditional Medicine (GCTM)?

The WHO GCTM will harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the world through modern science and technology. It will concentrate on building an evidence base for policies and standards on traditional medicine practices and products and help countries integrate them into their health systems.

Where does the World Health Organization (WHO) come into the picture, and what’s going to be its role?

Harnessing the potential and strengths of the WHO, such as technical expertise, a wider reach in the global health scenario, and equitable access to traditional medicine will become an accessible goal. The centre will find ways to combat challenges posed by diseases and will rapidly scale those solutions to various geographies with the WHO network. It will become the central organisation that creates quality and safety benchmarks for traditional medicine systems to ensure its constant improvement.

How are countries responding to our traditional medicines?

Even today, about 80 per cent of the world utilises traditional medicine. According to the WHO, 170 of the 194 member states are reported to be using it.

Last October, you said the market size of the Ayush sector was projected to reach $23.3 billion in 2022. Are we on track to achieve the target? How much do you think the sector will grow in the coming years?

The Indian traditional medicine market share has been increasing every year and that is being reflected globally as well. From having a market share of 0.5 per cent in 2016, the Ayush sector has grown to 2.8 per cent (an increase of 4.6 times). It is projected to grow further.

There is a perception that Ayurveda, Unani, etc. follow primitive methods and might be ineffective in complex health matters. What do you have to say on this?

Traditional systems of medicine have their scientific background and fundamental principles that stood the test of time and have proved their mettle against chronic and complex health challenges. The wider use of traditional medicines and its co-existence with contemporary biomedicine portray its effectiveness. The Ayush sector has witnessed phenomenal growth, especially during the pandemic. This shows how much people believe that traditional medicine can be effective in addressing complex health issues. The research councils set up by the Ministry of Ayush are putting in efforts to promote evidence-based practices through interdisciplinary and integrative research, enabling its global access.

How much does India stand to gain from the GCTM, and why was Gujarat chosen for it?

As the prime minister has said in the past, our only hope is that this centre emerges as a hub for global wellness. As the GCTM is being established in India, all traditional medicine systems of the country will get an impetus. The priority was to establish the centre at a place that had a thriving health care ecosystem, and Jamnagar fitted the bill.

How many jobs do you think will be generated in this sector in the next two to three years?

We foresee ourselves becoming even bigger contributors to the Indian economy over the next two-three years and contribute to the job sector. You have recently hailed the roles of 210,000 seafarers during the pandemic. 

Do you think they will have a role in spreading the wings of traditional medicine around the world?

Our seafarers are vital in taking India’s history and tradition to the world. It’s also through their word that the world will further know about India’s established traditional medicine ecosystem and the Ayush research and wellness centres that we’ve developed. We look to them to further position Ayush systems across the globe.