‘Kerala is the third state in India to have a separate department for AYUSH’

AYUSH recently got renewed focus on the central government level in India. Yet, Kerala, the southern-most state of the country has always had a rich heritage of ayurveda and homeopathy. M Beena, Secretary (AYUSH), Government of Kerala, speaks on the contribution of AYUSH to Kerala’s good health indicators, steps to streamline the sector to improve health access, challenges hindering its growth and more, in an interaction with Lakshmipriya Nair

Kerala’s health indicators are among the best in the country. Over the years, how has AYUSH contributed to the state’s healthcare achievements?

AYUSH systems of treatment, especially ayurveda has been the traditional treatment modality followed by the people of Kerala over the years. The infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Kerala are at par with the international standards. AYUSH systems of treatment have played a key role in bringing Kerala to this level. Women in Kerala have a tradition of availing ayurvedic treatment for pre-maternal, maternal and post-maternal care. This helps the mother to deliver a healthy child and to maintain their health by avoiding complications before, during and after delivery. The prasuthi tantra of ayurveda describes all aspects related to pregnancy, labour and post maternal management. The health management principles of ayurveda (swasthavirtha) deals with all aspects related to healthy living. Ayurveda is gaining momentum as an effective alternative to the conventional system of medicine by virtue of its systematic approach to prevention and cure of ailments using natural resources. Homoeopathy, as a system of medicine, has played a key role in developing immunity among the children in Kerala. This helps in reducing the infant mortality rate. As the AYUSH systems of treatment have less side effects, more and more people are opting for them over the years. Siddha, yoga, naturopathy and unani – the other components of AYUSH are also playing significant roles.

Kerala is one among the few states in India which offers ayurvedic and homoeopathic treatment facilities in almost all the panchayats. It has several primary, secondary and tertiary care facilities across the state. The state also boasts of several good and reputed government/ aided/ self financed medical colleges for ayurveda, homoeopathy and siddha. Kerala is the third state in India to have a separate department for AYUSH in the government with a dedicated Secretary for the sector.

What role can AYUSH play in the coming years to improve healthcare access across the country?

AYUSH professionals can be deployed across the country in primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions for effective implementation of national programmes. Starting AYUSH healthcare centres across the country will also help improve healthcare access.

What are the challenges in the growth of the AYUSH sector? How can they be tackled?

Infrastructure facilities in AYUSH healthcare institutions have to be improved. All AYUSH hospitals do not have clinical investigation facilities. This has to be addressed. The state has formulated Kerala Accreditation Standards for Hospitals (KASH) guidelines for the AYUSH Department with an aim to improve the quality of AYUSH healthcare delivery system. All the AYUSH hospitals in the state have to brought up to KASH. Lack of research studies, proper documentation and publication in national/ international journals, limitation in conducting information, education, and communication/ behaviour change communication (IEC/ BCC) activities, non-availability of quality drugs, non availability of sufficient medicinal plants, fund shortage as compared to other streams etc. are the main challenges faced by the department.

The budgetary provision forAYUSH has to be increased. People have to be made aware about the strength and efficacy of AYUSH systems of treatment through print/ audio and visual media. AYUSH educational systems also need to be improved. Healthcare facilities need to be standardied.

Spurious drugs are a serious concern in India, What are the regulatory measures/ amendments being considered to ensure quality in the AYUSH industry?

The state desires to strengthen the regulatory framework of ASU&H Drugs by appointing a Drug Controller for ASU&H Drugs. There should be one drug inspector for every 30 manufacturing units. The existing drug testing laboratories will be strengthened by appointing adequate staff and providing sufficient infrastructure facilities. Periodic site inspections and quality checks should be conducted for the samples collected. Steps will be taken to control misleading advertisements of ASU&H Drugs.

The penalty imposed for the violation of DMR (OA) Act will be increased for single and repeated offences.

What are the three major steps needed to propel the sector towards further progress?

• Establishing AYUSH systems of medicine as the first choice of treatment in primary healthcare
• Making Kerala a 100 per cent ayurvedic state and 100 per cent homoeopathic state by providing ayurvedic treatment facility and homoeopathic treatment facility in the remaining local self-government institutions (LSGIs)
• Creating more public health initiatives for AYUSH in the state to effectively tackle communicable and non-communicable diseases.

What are the lessons that Kerala can offer in this sphere, given its rich tradition in Ayurveda medicine?

The ayurvedic system followed in Kerala has its own cardinal principles. Its Keraleeya panchakarma treatment modality has also found global acceptance. By following the swasthvirtha principles, people will be able to maintain health as prescribed by the WHO. The lifestyle diseases can be prevented and managed by following the dietary and seasonal regime prescribed by ayurveda. By using ayurvedic medicines for acute and chronic ailments, drug-induced ailments can be reduced. Morbidity and mortality rates are increasing day-by-day in both rural and urban areas. The incidence can be reduced by adopting Keraleeya panchakarma treatment modalities.

lakshmipriya.nair@expressindia.com