Why IMA is not Vocal about Ayurveda?

NewsBharati 28-Nov-2020 13:06:34 PM

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- Shivani Shinde

With the Prime Minister promoting Vocal for Local initiative, citizens of the country are adopting this policy and opting for local productivity instead of going for foreign products to become 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. From buying a pen to a new car, Indians are opting for local Indian products to support the cause of Atmnirbharta but are we really adopting our local medicines or Indian Traditional method of treatment that defines our Indian culture - the 'Ayurveda'.

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When the government initiated to encourage Ayurveda and its treatments, some 'western minded organisations' raised questions about the ability of Ayurveda without persuing and understanding the protocol. These people were clearly oblivious in studying the reports of the scientific and clinical studies that were made available in the public domain.

Recently, when the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) allowed the post-graduate scholars of Ayurveda to formally practice general surgery, including ortho and dentistry, the non-government organisation Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly condemned the move and called it as 'retrograde step of mixing systems.'

However, it is not the first time they have made such remarks. Earlier, the British established orgnisation has also questioned Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan’s move to promote alternative medicines and yoga for Corona patients. By asking such irrelevant questions in an undignified way, they have not only damaged the reputation of great Indian medical heritage but, they have also raised the question on the belief of billions of people, who are using Ayurveda in their day-to-day life for so many decades.

Ayurved is not new to India. It has originated in India about 5,000 years ago. It is not just a medical system, it is a manifestation of our symbiotic relationship with nature. Even, there is a shlok that describes Ayurveda:

हिताहितं सुखं दुःखं आयुस्तस्य हिताहितम् ।

मानं च तच्च यत्रोक्तं आयुर्वेदः स उच्यते ॥ च.सू.३.४१॥

It states that the science which tells about what is Good in life, what is harmful to life as well as what causes us happiness or sorrow is called Ayurveda. Ayurveda translates as ‘life science’. Its knowledge is not limited to medicines, cures, or therapy but also for laypersons, households, communities, as well as for physicians. It aims to preserve health and wellness by keeping the mind, body, and spirit in balance and preventing disease rather than treating it.

From making a tea out of lemongrass and green cardamoms to cooking food using spices like cumin, turmeric, licorice root, Ajwain and to use it as a medicine, Indian's use Ayurveda is everywhere in one's daily life. Ayurvedic herbs and spices have been an integral part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries. From drinking Haldi Doodh to performing yoga, and consuming ashwagandha and Chyawanprash is just a small part of this to keep them self immune from this virus.

On the other hand, when the pandemic entered India, the sale of local immunity-boosting products has increased manifold. Products like basil plant, Azadirachta Indica, Ginger, Honey, Pumpkin, Lime, and Flax seeds are being preserved and used in a never-seen-like-before manner by many Indians. According to market tracker Euromonitor International, demand for Ayurvedic products has surged across the nation in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The pandemic has, in turn, resulted in bringing a change in consumer lifestyles with an increased focus on preventive healthcare remedies leading to a surge in demand for immunity-positioned supplements, including Ayurvedic medicines and products, as consumers pursue different ways to combat the virus.

“Recently, Himalaya Drug Company, a market leader in the nutrition and wellness segment, said that during the lockdown, there has been a significant increase in demand for immunity and wellness products containing pure herbs such as Guduchi, Tulsi, Amalaki, Ashwagandha among others, along with propriety formulations such as Himalaya Drug Company’s ‘Septilin’ and ‘Immusante’.”

Moreover, as per the health ministry, India has witnessed a very good recovery rate. The national recovery rate of India is at 93.68% and out of which 67.08 % of the recoveries to date, have opted for the AYUSH way of treatment. It means that most of the hospitals and covid centers have opted for the AYUSH way of treatment to treat covid patients. Right now when there are proofs, and data why IMA is not vocal about it? Do they have any specific moto behind it? Don't they have any idea about the supportive scientific data regarding Ayurveda or were they simply trying to defame the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda?

Before pointing fingers at Ayurvedic treatment, they should've explained the dissatisfying results of their recommended modern medicines of HCO and Remdesivir. To get a reality check, why not consider the advisory that WHO released to warn against the use of Remdesivir for COVID treatment since currently there is no evidence to support the fact that the use of this drug improves survival. Besides currently, there is no other modern medicine to treat COVID patients. However, there are some Ayurvedic doctors have acknowledged that Modern Medicine does work in at least 30% of the cases.

““ When Ayurvedic doctors are accepting modern medicine then why IMA are on the back foot in doing the same thing?””

If IMA has the same motto to save humans and the country from the wrath of Corona, they will have to be vocal about Ayurveda as well. They should accept available data regarding the authenticity of Ayurveda as a 'science' and support the treatment. It is not the right time to fight over the prescribed method to fight the virus, may it be any 'pathy' or Ayurveda. Instead of indulging a war of words they should support Ayurveda and find a proper cure, as there is no modern medical science yet providing anti-viral drugs to fight COVID-19. It is time for Modern medical sciences and Ayurveda to work together for the cause, where Ayurvedic practitioners have no problem with. Moreover, it only seems to be an issue for the IMA.