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The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said today that the budget for Indian systems of medicine would be increased in order to propagate the traditional system of medicine prevalent in India for several ages. The budget for 2004-05 is about Rs.180 crore. He was speaking at the inauguration of AROGYA’ 2004, a comprehensive health fair to promote the Indian systems of medicine. Referring to the scheme operating in the Department for giving incentives for cultivation of medicinal plants, he said greater stress would be placed on propagation of the scheme.
Referring to the challenge posed by increased incidence of non-communicable disease like diabetes, and cardio- vascular diseases, he urged upon the practionners of the Indian system of medicines to delve deep into the causes for increased incidence and do research to find remedies which would act as preventive medicine. He also exhorted the experts in traditional medicine to spread the knowledge which they have acquired for the benefit of mankind. He said that in this area, there are few experts who want to retain the knowledge without reaching out to others. Citing the example of China which has a very strong market in traditional medicine in the world, the Minister stressed the need to increase exports which currently stood at 2%. Even here, the raw materials are sent abroad processed and sold back to India. Dr. Ramadoss said that his department and Ministry of Commerce have joined hands to enhance such exports and develop expertise to process the traditional herbs in India itself.
Speaking at the inaugural, the Secretary, Indian Systems of Medicine, Mr. P. Mohandas said that his Department had implemented schemes to ensure quality control and standardization of books and teaching on the subject. They were also working on improving the availability of raw drugs, research and awareness building.
AROGYA’2004 is the 4th in a series of comprehensive health fairs organized annually by the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine. AROGYA’2004 is the biggest ever with stall space completely sold out. More than 4.5 lakh persons are expected to visit the health fair in the next six days. A unique feature of this year’s fair is the sale of medicinal plants and know how for cultivation of such medicinal plants. This year, more than 100 stakeholders are participating in the fair including some foreign entities. Nine State Directorates of Indian systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy are also participating apart from private manufacturers from all over the country. During the six-day fair, there will be live yoga demonstration by experts, free health package and counseling by specialists in Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy, Prakriti Pariksha and Nadi Pariksha. Other highlights would include display and sale of medicinal plants which is a novel feature of AROGYA’2004.
AROGYA’2004 is an attempt to answer the growing interest in traditional therapies like Panchkarma, Yoga and Meditation, and Nadi Pariksha to name a few.
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