New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush has launched a central sector scheme aimed at promoting international cooperation for AYUSH, emphasizing traditional medicine's global recognition.

The scheme's objectives include increasing awareness and interest in AYUSH systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy—on an international scale. It seeks to facilitate global promotion, development, and recognition of these systems; foster stakeholder interactions; expand markets for AYUSH products and services; and encourage academic and research collaborations by establishing AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign countries.

Under this initiative, the Ministry supports Indian AYUSH drug manufacturers and service providers to enhance exports. It also facilitates workshops, training programs, and symposiums to strengthen awareness about AYUSH globally.

Key international initiatives include:

1. Introducing a 'Traditional Medicine' chapter in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 and 11).
2. Establishing the AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL).
3. Collaborating with the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
4. Promoting global celebrations like International Yoga Day and Ayurveda Day.

Steps Taken for Global Promotion of AYUSH

• Bilateral Agreements: 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with countries to promote traditional medicine.
• Academic Collaborations: 15 MoUs signed with international institutions to establish AYUSH Academic Chairs.
• Information Cells: Set up 42 AYUSH Information Cells in 38 countries.
• Scholarships: Provides scholarships under the International AYUSH Fellowship Program for foreign nationals to study in recognized AYUSH institutions in India.

The Ministry has functional AYUSH Academic Chairs in countries such as Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia. These chairs advance academic exchange, research, and public awareness about AYUSH, strengthening its acceptance and integration within host countries.

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The establishment of these chairs results from bilateral collaborations or interest expressed by foreign institutions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the foreign university and an AYUSH institute. Qualified experts are then deputed for an initial period of one year, extendable up to three years. The ministry covers salary and travel expenses, while host universities provide rent-free accommodation and local hospitality.

Additionally, AYUSH experts participate in trade fairs, conferences, technical training, and bilateral or multilateral meetings to enhance knowledge exchange and promote traditional medicine.

Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, shared these developments in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.