India boasts a profound and diverse culture and history of traditional medicine. Ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga, and other alternative therapies have long held a significant place within the country’s healthcare landscape. These traditional practices are deeply ingrained in Indian society, offering a holistic approach to well – being that has been passed down through generations.
For a long time, obtaining insurance coverage for these alternative treatments was a complex and arduous process. However, a pivotal change occurred in 2013 when the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) took a significant step. It initiated coverage for AYUSH, which encompasses ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, unani, siddha, and homeopathy. This move has been instrumental in making alternative healthcare more accessible to the general public. By including AYUSH in insurance policies, the IRDAI has bridged the divide between conventional and traditional medicine, providing policyholders with a more comprehensive range of medical options. This not only recognizes the value of traditional medicine but also gives individuals more choices in their healthcare journey.
A 2024 survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) provides compelling evidence of the widespread awareness and utilization of AYUSH practices in India. The survey revealed that an astonishing 95 percent of rural respondents and 96 percent of urban respondents were familiar with AYUSH. Moreover, approximately 46 percent of rural individuals and 53 percent of urban individuals had resorted to AYUSH for either preventive or curative purposes in the previous year. AYUSH comprises a wide array of therapies from various traditional systems, each with its own unique benefits. These therapies are not only used for initial treatment but are also relied upon to aid in recovery after hospitalization. This diversity allows patients to select the treatment that is most suitable for their specific health conditions, further emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional medicine into the modern healthcare system.
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