NITI Aayog has unveiled a strategic roadmap to establish Ayurveda as a recognized global healthcare system by 2047. The plan aims to move the practice beyond wellness products by implementing a global practitioner registry, international quality standards, and insurance-backed treatments to bypass current regulatory barriers in developed markets.
How will NITI Aayog transform Ayurveda into a global healthcare system?
The “Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global” outlines a transition from exporting raw materials to establishing a trusted medical framework. According to the report released by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri, the goal is to move Ayurveda past its current image as a wellness product.
The roadmap, presented alongside Member (Health) Prof (Dr) M Srinivas, CEO Nidhi Chhibber, and Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, focuses on five core areas: research, regulation, diplomacy, education, and trade. To manage this transition, the report recommends forming a high-level Mission Steering Group to oversee implementation through the next two decades.
Ayurveda products currently reach approximately 150 countries, yet they often face classification hurdles in major global markets.
Why do regulatory barriers limit Ayurvedic medicine exports?
While the market for Ayush and herbal products has seen significant growth, a gap remains between product availability and medical recognition. Data from the NITI Aayog report shows that exports nearly doubled from USD 1.09 billion in 2014 to USD 2.16 billion in 2023.
Despite this financial growth, many Ayurvedic formulations are restricted to the “dietary supplement” category in developed nations. This classification prevents them from being integrated into mainstream healthcare systems as approved medicines. The roadmap suggests that upgrading domestic manufacturing to WHO-GMP standards and publishing an export edition of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia can help align Indian products with international regulatory requirements.
Comparison of Export Growth (2014 vs. 2023)
| Year | Export Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $1.09 Billion |
| 2023 | $2.16 Billion |
How can Indian practitioners achieve international mobility?
Currently, India possesses a large workforce of over 3.55 lakh trained Ayurveda practitioners. However, the NITI Aayog report notes that nearly 95% of these professionals remain within India. This lack of mobility stems from the absence of internationally accepted licensing systems.
To address this, the roadmap proposes several structural changes:
- Global Ayurveda Register: A system to provide internationally verifiable credentials for practitioners.
- Single-Window Portal: A centralized platform providing country-specific licensing requirements and visa information.
- Mutual Recognition Agreements: Diplomatic efforts to ensure qualified Indian practitioners can practice in partner countries.
What research advancements does the roadmap propose?
To build clinical credibility, the report calls for expanding international clinical