The journey with COVID-19: Initiatives by Ministry of AYUSH

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the healthcare systems globally. Worldwide, researchers and clinicians are struggling with this crisis. The pandemic has accentuated the need to strengthen health systems and accelerate research and development (R&D) programmes. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India took rapid measures in the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19 by issuing several advisories and guidelines. A well-organized public health and hygiene awareness campaign promoting use of mask, physical distancing, hand-washing as well as effective sanitization, lockdowns, quarantine and epidemiological monitoring has immensely helped in controlling the disease spread, and reducing the morbidity and mortality as compared to several other countries. One more possible cause for lower rates of morbidity and mortality in India could be the use of immunity promoting interventions from the ancient traditional systems of medicine involving Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) and several home remedies based on traditional knowledge. Admittedly, strengths of modern medicine in managing the symptomatic treatment and critical care of COVID-19 have helped tremendously. However, modern medicine has limitations in providing a better immunological and mental status for effective prophylaxis and prevention as well as promoting well-being with improved quality of life. The approach of AYUSH systems for strengthening host defence may be useful as an effective, safer, accessible, and affordable prophylaxis in management of COVID19. Hence, use of AYUSH systems has increased globally during the pandemic. The Ministry of AYUSH (MoA), Government of India has undertaken several R&D and public health initiatives to harness the potential of AYUSH systems to contain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives aim at creating public awareness regarding measures to improve immunity and mitigate the impact of the pandemic. They also provide guidelines to AYUSH stakeholders to address this pandemic scenario effectively. The year 2020 has been a challenging period that made the healthcare researchers and stakeholders wiser than before [1]. An overview of the experiences, challenges, and success stories of the MoA during the COVID-19 pandemic is provided in this editorial.