Ayush ministry to crack whip on research studies with ‘unfounded statements, conclusions’ to protect credibility
In a bid to improve the credibility of traditional medical systems, the Ayush ministry has decided to crack whip on research papers and scientific studies on drugs and therapies with “unfounded statements and conclusions”. Henceforth, all researchers and institutions are advised to involve appropriate research council or experts of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy systems in conducting any scientific study, clinical trial or research intervention to explore Ayush drug or treatment. The study outcomes and findings should also be vetted by these experts to prevent “incorrect, arbitrary and ambiguous statements and conclusions”. In an advisory issued last week, the ministry observed that many of the studies by non- Ayush researchers were conducted without the involvement or endorsement of government-appointed research councils or relevant subject experts. “Potential and scope of Ayush in public healthcare cannot be jeopardised and people may not be distracted or...