About the Ministry of Ayush

The Ministry of Ayush was formed on 9th November 2014 to ensure the optimal development and propagation of Ayush Systems of health care. It is the successor of the erstwhile the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H), created in March 1995 and which was renamed as Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) in November 2003, with focused attention for development of Education and Research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Further, it was renamed “Ministry of Ayush” on 13th April 2021, in view of the word ‘Ayush’ being widely accepted to cover varioustraditional and non-conventional systems of healthcare and healing, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Sowa-Rigpa, and thus the acronym ‘Ayush’ having become dispensable.

The objectives of the Ministry of Ayush include:

  • Formulation of policy and policy issues for development and propagation of Ayush systems of Health Care
  • Conception and implementation of programmes for development and propagation of Ayush systems of Health Care.
  • Co-ordination and promotion of research and development including assistance therefor in Ayush systems of Health Care.
  • Setting up and maintenance of Central institutions for research and development, education and setting standards relating to various aspects/ verticals (like R&D, education, medicinal plants, pharmacopeia etc.) of Ayush systems of Health Care.

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