Daily Current Affairs : 3-August-2023
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently unveiled a new visa category known as the Ayush (AY) visa, specifically designed for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush systems or Indian systems of medicine. This strategic move is aligned with India’s comprehensive Heal in India initiative, aimed at advancing the nation’s healthcare services and fostering global recognition of traditional Indian medical practices.
Ayush Visa: A Catalyst for Medical Value Tourism
The Ayush Visa holds immense potential to catalyze the growth of Medical Value Tourism in India. With its diverse range of traditional healing practices, India has become a sought-after destination for individuals seeking holistic wellness solutions. This newly introduced visa category will act as a catalyst, drawing in more medical tourists from around the world, consequently boosting the country’s healthcare and tourism sectors.
Paving the Path for Global Recognition
The Ayush Visa not only contributes to medical tourism but also propels the endeavor to position Indian traditional medicine on the global map. India’s rich heritage of healthcare systems, collectively known as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), is now poised to garner international acclaim. This visa category serves as a significant step toward achieving the ambitious vision of making Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon.
Unveiling the AYUSH System of Medicine
The term AYUSH encompasses a spectrum of indigenous medical systems that have been practiced in India for centuries. These include Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. At its core, the AYUSH system offers an integrative approach to healthcare, encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 by the Government of India marked a pivotal moment in reviving and promoting the invaluable knowledge of traditional Indian medical systems.
Driving Research and Development
The momentum generated by the Ayush Visa is complemented by initiatives aimed at nurturing research and development in the field of traditional medicine. A notable development is the formation of the WHO – Global Center for Traditional Medicine (WHO – GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Additionally, the introduction of a distinct Ayush mark for products and the creation of a network of Ayush parks across the country are poised to encourage the advancement, research, and manufacturing of Ayush products.
Strengthening Standards and Collaboration
An essential stride towards harmonizing standards and fostering collaboration in the Ayush sector is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). This agreement signifies a cooperative effort to establish uniform standards, ensuring the quality and authenticity of Ayush products.
Important Points:
- Introduction of Ayush Visa
- Ministry of Home Affairs announces new Ayush (AY) visa category.
- Targeted at foreign nationals seeking Ayush and Indian systems of medicine treatment.
- Aligns with India’s Heal in India initiative.
- Boosting Medical Value Tourism
- Ayush Visa to stimulate Medical Value Tourism in India.
- Diverse traditional healing practices attract global medical tourists.
- Potential to enhance healthcare and tourism sectors.
- Global Recognition of Ayush Systems
- Ayush Visa contributes to making Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon.
- AYUSH includes Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
- Integrative healthcare approach for holistic well-being.
- Revival of Traditional Indian Medicine
- Ministry of AYUSH formed in 2014 to promote traditional Indian medical systems.
- Ayush systems rooted in India’s ancient heritage.
- Ayush Visa a step toward preserving and reviving these systems.
- Research and Development Initiatives
- WHO – Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Introduction of Ayush mark for products to encourage research and manufacturing.
- Network of Ayush parks nationwide to advance Ayush products.
- Collaboration and Standardization
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PCIM&H and IPC.
- Aims for uniform standards and quality for Ayush products.
- Cooperation toward enhancing credibility and authenticity.
Why In News
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a recent announcement, has introduced a novel Ayush (AY) visa category catering specifically to foreign nationals seeking therapeutic interventions through Ayush systems and traditional Indian medicine. This proactive measure aims to facilitate seamless access to holistic healthcare options and promote cross-cultural healing experiences for individuals from around the world.
MCQs about Ayush Visa
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What is the primary objective of the Ayush (AY) visa introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs?
A. Promoting international trade
B. Encouraging foreign investment
C. Facilitating medical treatment under Ayush systems
D. Supporting cultural exchange
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What does the acronym AYUSH stand for in the context of Indian healthcare?
A. Advanced Yoga Under Special Healing
B. All-Year Universal Support for Healing
C. Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy
D. Association of Yoga Unions for Social Health
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Which significant step was taken to ensure the quality and authenticity of Ayush products?
A. Launching a marketing campaign for Ayush products
B. Establishing Ayush clinics in rural areas
C. Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PCIM&H and IPC
D. Setting up Ayush parks in major cities
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