Indian Government Supports Traditional Medicine

As I begin the second day of the World Ayurveda Congress here in Bangalore, India, one of the most eye-opening observations is that this giant gathering of scientists, doctors, educators, industry and consumers (200,000 people!) is organized and endorsed by the Government of India. In fact, I've collected many educational brochures that are written and published by the Indian government that actually promote the use of traditional Ayurvedic medicines and practices for preventing and treating disease. This literature was developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Indian equivalent our Department of Health and Human Services. Among the government-produced information:

"Myths and Interesting Facts About Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy", a brochure explaing the science, safety, history, efficacy and regulation of these products.

"AYUSH: Enforcing Quality Control", a footnoted guide to the regulatory, legal, quality control and pharmacopoeial measures in place to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of these products.

Brochures providing overviews of the history, theory, systems and practices of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. They even give credit to the development of Unani to the Greeks (the practice was brought to India from Persia and has evolved over the centuries).

And perhaps most shocking (or exciting, depending on your perspective), a series of government-produced brochures describing the medicines and natural ingredients useful for preventing and treating specific diseases and conditions, including diabetes, flu, insomnia, bronchitis, enlarged prostrate, other geriatric conditions and even managing symptoms and improving quality of life for those with HIV/AIDS.

These products are regulated natural medicines that meet pharmacopoeial standards and are approved by the government. They are inexpensive, extremely safe, and trusted by scientists, regulators, and the public. In fact, many of the companies I have met have been in the business of developing and manufacturing these products for more than 100 years, many tracing their histories to well before the development of our "modern medicine" industry or the FDA. 

Can you imagine the U.S. government distributing public education brochures like these? Our agencies are so constrained by the limited and ultra-conservative perspective of "modern medicine" that it is very unlikely. Here in India, many of the people I've talked to find the U.S. position on traditional forms of healing to be comical, if it were not so serious and flawed. They ask why there are so few experts in these areas within the FDA and other government agencies and institutions. I'd like to know that too.

The best government-sponsored message at the event? A giant entry display to the large government exhibit area that says "An Amla A Day Keeps Disease at Bay."

Perhaps it is time that our "modern" medical institutions and regulators catch up with history.