Parliament Question: Research and innovation to strengthen Ayush in Maharashtra

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1123 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10th FEBRUARY 2026 Research and innovation to strengthen Ayush in Maharashtra 1123 Shri Dhananjay Bhimrao Mahadik: Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state: (a) the details on research and innovation initiatives taken in Maharashtra to strengthen Ayush practices; (b) specifically, what grants, collaborations with universities, clinical research projects and quality monitoring programs have been undertaken in the last five years; (c) the manner in which the Ministry plans to enhance evidence-based Ayush therapies and ensure their safety and efficacy; and (d) the measures introduced to improve access to Ayush healthcare in rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra and to promote employment opportunities for local Ayush practitioners? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV) a) To strengthen the research and innovation in Ayush, Ministry of Ayush is implementing one of the Central Sector Scheme namely Ayurgyan since 2021-22 having 03 components viz. (i) Capacity Building & Continuing Medical Education (CME) in 1Ayush (ii) Research & Innovation in Ayush (R & I) and (iii) Ayurveda Biology Integrated Health Research (ABIHR) component added under the scheme since FY 2023-24. Under the R&I and ABIHR component of Ayurgyan Scheme, one of the priority areas is to promote evidence-based practice and ensure safety and efficacy of Ayush medicines. Further, financial assistance is provided for conducting evidence-based research & development activities to strengthen research and validation of Ayush treatments. This scheme is a Central Sector Scheme and is not specific to any State/UTs and regions. Total of 98 clinical research project has been undertaken by Ministry of Ayush through its Central Sector Schemes and Research Councils. Details of initiatives undertaken in Research and Innovation in Maharashtra are mentioned at Annexure- I. b) Ministry of Ayush provided grants to total 06 projects under Ayurgyan and 08 projects Ayurswasthya Yojana in the State of Maharashtra. Details are placed at Annexure- IA and IB respectively. Further, Ministry of Ayush has undertaken a total of 36 collaborative projects through its Research Councils i.e. by CCRAS (14) and by CCRH (22). The details of collaborative projects are attached as Annexure-II. Further, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) also collaborated with Shri Krishna Ayush University, Kurukshetra Haryana ,Jamia Hamdard (Deemed University), New Delhi Amity University, Noida and National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur to collaborate on academic and research activities in the field of quality control of ASU & H drugs. c) Ministry of Ayush has implemented a Central Sector Scheme namely Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) with Pharmacovigilance for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Drugs as one of the components. Objectives of this program is to keep vigilance over Ayush drugs and to reduce the instances of misleading advertisements. This program has established a three- tire network of pharmacovigilance centers distributed throughout the country with one National Pharmacovigilance Coordination Centre (NPvCC), 05-Intermediary Pharmacovigilance Centers (IPvC) & 97 Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centers (PPvC). All Pharmacovigilance Centers routinely report Misleading Advertisements (MLAs)/Objectionable Advertisements (OAs) and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) to the concerned Authorities for further necessary action. During the period 2018 to 2025, a total of 2930 Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in respect of Ayush medicines were reported through the Pharmacovigilance network. 2d) To improve access to Ayush healthcare in rural and tribal areas including Maharashtra and to promote employment opportunities for local Ayush practitioners the Ministry of Ayush is implementing a Central Sector Scheme namely Ayurswasthya Yojana, since FY 2021-22. Under Ayush and Public Health component of Ayurswasthya Yojana total of four (04) Organisations/Institutes in the State of Maharashtra have been supported for implementation of projects. The details of these organisations and projects are furnished at Annexure-II. Further, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (CCRAS),under Ministry of Ayush is providing Ayurveda treatment facilities in rural and tribal dominant areas of the country through the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP) under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) through 14 CCRAS peripheral institutes in 14 states, including Maharashtra state, through RARI, Nagpur. Similarly, Central Council for Research in Unani Medicines (CCRUM) providing Healthcare services to masses through the CCRUM’s Public Health outreach programs like General Outpatient Department (GOPD), Maternal and Child Health (MCH) OPD, Geriatric OPD, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) clinics, Mobile Clinical Research Programme, Scheduled Cast sub-Plan, School Health Programme etc. Further, under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), the Ministry of Ayush provides financial assistance to States/UTs through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) to expand Ayush services, including in rural and tribal areas including Maharashtra, by supporting co-location of Ayush units, establishment and upgradation of hospitals and dispensaries, strengthening educational institutions, and upgrading dispensaries into Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) for comprehensive primary healthcare. ****** 3Annexure- I The details of initiatives undertaken in Research and Innovation in Maharashtra are as follows: • A total of four (04) research projects (including clinical research) under R & I component and two (02) research project under ABIHR has been supported to the organizations located in the state of Maharashtra since its inception i.e. from FY 2021- 22. The details are placed at Annexure- I A. • Further, Ministry of Ayush is also implementing another Central Sector Scheme, namely Ayurswasthya Yojana, since 2021-22 having 02 components, viz. (i) Ayush & public health (PHI) component and (ii) Upgradation of facilities to the centre of excellence (CoE). Under the CoE component, (02) projects have been supported in the State of Maharashtra for conducting research activities. The details of the research projects supported under the CoE component of Ayurswasthya Yojana, since its inception i.e. FY 2021-22 are furnished at Annexure – I B. • Further, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has three Ayurveda Research Institutes in Maharashtra viz. namely Raja Ramdeo Anandi Lal Poddar Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Mumbai, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Nagpur, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), wherein, CARI, Mumbai has completed 12 research projects, RARI, Nagpur has completed 18 research projects and RARI, Pune has completed 16 research projects. • Further, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has one Homoeopathy Research Institutes in Maharashtra. A total of 11 clinical research projects have been undertaken during last five years. The details of research undertaken by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy in the state of Maharashtra in given at Annexure - I C. • The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has one institute, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Mumbai with its extension centre at J.J. Hospital, Mumbai, is functioning in Maharashtra. Further, the Ministry of Ayush established a new CCRUM building in Navi Mumbai in 2022 to strengthen Unani research services in the State. A total of 18 research projects has been undertaken during last five years. The details of research projects conducted during last five years is placed at Annexure - I D. 4Annexure – I A The details of grants provided to 04 projects under the R & I component of Ayurgyan Scheme since its inception i.e from FY 2021-22 are mentioned below: (In Lakhs) S. FY Name of Title of study Approved Fund No. Institution cost of released project 1. 2021- TNMC & BYL An open randomized 9.36 8.42 22 Nair Ch. Hospital controlled clinical study to Mumbai assess the efficacy and safety of local and systemic Ayurvedic interventions in preventing or reducing the severity of the COVID-19 infection 2. 2023- Savitribai Phule Exploring protective 64.71 35.26 24 Pune University potential of Dioscorea spp. Pune In process of aging and Alzheimer’s disease using Drosophila and rat animal models” 3. 2025- R. C. Patel Institute Investigation of molecular 44.19 20.34 26 of Pharmaceutical evidences of anti-psoriatic Education and efficacy of selected Research Shirpur, homeopathic drugs using Dhule TLR-7/ IL-17/ IL-23 knock- in/out cell lines and mouse models of psoriasis 4. 2025- Interactive Effect of a therapeutic course 55.95 12.54 26 Research School of Basti on gut microbiome for Health Affairs, in obese individuals BharatiVidyapeeth , Pune Total Amount 174.21 76.58 5The details of grants provided to 02 projects under the ABIHR component of Ayurgyan Scheme since its inception i.e from FY 2021-22 are mentioned below: (In Lakhs) S. FY Name of Title of study Total fund Amount No Institution approved released 1. 2024-25 Intox Pvt. Development of technical 996.99 498.49 Ltd. Pune dossier of Boswellia serrata –stage 1 (pre- clinical studies–oral toxicity, genotoxicity, efficacy, pharmacokinetic studies and safety pharmacology in rodents) 2. 2025-26 Regional Preclinical Toxicological 401.97 236.63 Ayurveda Evaluation and Safety Research Pharmacology of Selected Institute Ayurvedic Formulations - (RARI), Pune Laksha Guggulu, Dadimadi Ghrita and Ekangaveera Rasa Total Amount 1398.96 735.12 6Annexure - I B The details of grants provided to 04 projects under the Centre of Excellence (CoE) component of Ayurswasthya Yojana, since its inception i.e FY 2021-22, are mentioned below: (In Lakhs.) Year Name of Title of the Project Total fund Fund Organisation/Institute Sanctioned Released 2023- ACTREC, Tata Centre of Excellence for 24 Memorial Centre Discovery and Development Kharghar, Mumbai of Ayush Medicines for 906.91 200.00 Cancer Care. 2023- Ayush Centre of Excellence, 24 Savitribai Phule Centre for Complementary 723.80 University, Pune 200.00 and Integrative Health. 2024- ACTREC, Tata Centre of Excellence for 25 Memorial Centre Discovery and Development Kharghar, Mumbai of AYUSH Medicines for 906.91 194.10 Cancer Care. 2024- Ayush Centre of Excellence, Savitribai Phule 25 Centre for Complementary 723.80 University, Pune and Integrative Health. 52.62 Total Amount 3261.42 646.72 The details of grants provided to 04 projects under the Public Health component of Ayurswasthya Yojana since its inception i.e FY 2021-22, are mentioned below: S. Name of Title of the Project No. Organization/Institute 1. Ayurved Seva Sangh's Ayurveda Care for Healthy Pregnancy Ayurved Mahavidyalya, Nashik, Maharashtra 2. Srinath Manav Sewa Community Screening Program for Diabetes, Mandal, Parli, Beed, Hypertension, Obesity and its Management through Maharashtra Ayurveda and establishment of Referral Research Centre in Parli Block of Beed District, Maharashtra 3. Directorate of Ayush, Osteoporosis Screening and Intervention Programme Maharashtra Using AYUSH Approach: A Community based Programme in Maharashtra State 4. Tilak Ayurved Implementation of Punarnavadi Mandoor and Mahavidyalaya, Drakshavaleha in the management of Iron Deficiency Maharashtra Anemia in school going children at Mulashi block in Pune district, Maharashtra 7Annexure- I C The details of Research Projects undertaken during last five years in the state of Maharashtra by CCRH. Year Clinical Research New Ongoing Completed 2020-21 00 03 02 2021-22 00 01 02 2022-23 00 00 00 2023-24 00 00 00 2024-25 03 00 00 Total 03 04 04 List of fundamental Research projects undertaken by CCRH in the last 5 years in the state of Maharashtra (Rs.In Lakhs) S. Title of the Project Collaborating Duration Total Institute of the grants No. project 1. Process for potentization of IIT, Bombay 2018 - 44.44 Homoeopathic medicines 2022 2. Understanding the mechanism of action Dr. D.Y. Patil 2025- 40.02 of tested homoeopathic medicines Dental College 2027 employing cellular models for insulin and Hospital, secretion and resistance Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. Total Amount 84.46 8Annexure - I D The details of clinical research projects conducted by Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Mumbai under the programme during last five years are given below: 1. Khamira gaozaban sada in Khafqan (Palpitation) 2. Majoon Najah in Malekholia (Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder) 3. Sailani in Sailanur Rahim (Leucorrhoea) 4. Majoon-e-Falasifa in Nisyan (Amnesia) 5. Kundri in Salas-ul-Baul (Stress Urinary Incontinence) 6. Sharbat Ejaz in Sual e Yaabis (Dry Cough) 7. Laooq-e-Zeequn Nafas in Zeequn Nafas (Bronchial Asthma) 8. Waj-ul-Mafasil (Rheumatoid Arthritis)-Habb-e-Gul-e-Aak and Roghan-e-Hina vs majoon e jograj goggul & roghan e malkangani 9. Warm-e-Kabid (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NASH)- Qurs-e-Sumbul-ut-Teeb 10. Malankholiya (Mixed anxiety depressive disorder)-Comparative Habb-e-Ikhtilaj vs Majoon e Najah 11. Sharbat-e-Anar Shireen in Ghasiyan (Nausea) 12. Majoon e Talkh deedani in Ehtebas e Tams (Amenorrhoea) 13. Qurs Kaknaj in Hurqat e baul (Burning Micturition) 14. Sufoof e kishneez in Khafaqan (Palpitation) 15. Halwa-e-Badam in Zof e dimagh (Cerebroasthenia) 16. Roghan e Muqawwi e Dimagh in Sahar (Insomnia) 17. Hab e Chobchini & Roghan e Surkh in Niqras (Gout) 18. Jawarish e Aamla Sada in Khafaqan (Palpitation) 9Annexure - II The details of total (13) collaborative projects through Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) are given below: CCRAS has undertaken collaborative research initiatives in various domains such as clinical research, medicinal plant research, pharmacological research, literary research, and fundamental research, in association with reputed institutions of the country. In the last three years, 5 collaborative projects of CCRAS have been completed and 9 collaborative projects of the council are ongoing with modern healthcare institutions in the state of Maharashtra. The details of ongoing and completed collaborative projects of CCRAS are given below: S No Project Title Collaborating Institute Completed Projects 1 Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda Intervention in PHCs of Gadchiroli Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in PHCs of the district Selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study). 2 Morbidity and Healthcare-seeking behaviour of the patients Command Hospital visiting the Ayurveda healthcare facilities of the DGAFMS Pune Hospitals: A multicenter cross-sectional survey study. 3 A Randomized control trial to evaluate the efficacy of Govt Medical Ayurveda Interventions (Agastya Haritaki and Ashwagandha) college, Nagpur and and yoga in long term effects of Covid-19. Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 4 The impact of Chyawanprash on immunogenicity when Datta Meghe administered after COVID-19 vaccination in health care Institute of Medical personnel - An open-label, prospective randomised controlled Sciences, Wardha study. 5 A study of Ashwagandha administration in participants Center for Rheumatic vaccinated against COVID-19 on safety, immunogenicity and Diseases CRD, Pune protection: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-centric clinical trial. Ongoing Projects 1 Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunthi in ICMR-National reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating Women Institute for Research Consuming Traditional Diet Foods in Maharashtra: A in Reproductive and randomized controlled preliminary clinical study. Child Health (ICMR- NIRRCH), Parel, Mumbai 102 Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Madhavbaug Cardiac Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Care Clinic and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Hospital, Khalapur, Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) - A Maharashtra Randomized Controlled Trial. 3 A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and Tata Memorial immunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high-grade serous Hospital (TMH) and epithelial ovarian cancer at first serological relapse Advanced Centre for collaborative project. Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Tata Memorial Centre Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 4 An Ayurvedic intervention as an add on for prevention of Datta Meghe Acute Pain Crises in Sickle Cell Anaemia (under TSP) Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 5 Study of association between Prakriti and outcomes of early Advanced Centre for and locally advanced breast cancer Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Tata Memorial Centre,Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 6 Assessment of Prakriti (Ayurvedic body constitution) of Tata Memorial patients with Cervical and Ovarian cancers. Hospital (TMH), Mumbai. 7 Understanding the mechanistic role of Carctol-S as Advanced Centre for immunomodulatory and anticancer formulation against Treatment, Research Ovarian Cancer. and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 8 Understanding mechanistic role of CARAF & CAGHE as Advanced Centre for immunomodulatory and anti-cancer compounds against pre- Treatment, Research clinical models of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Melanoma, Lung and Education in and Breast cancer. Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre,Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 9 Preclinical study on efficacy, safety and toxicity of Swarna ICMR-National Prashan Regimen as Adjunct therapy in Pediatric Acute Institute for Research Lymphoblastic Leukemia. in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR- NIRRCH), Parel, Mumbai 11The details of total (22) collaborative projects through Central Council for Homoeopathy Research (CCRH) are given below: S. No. Date/ Year Institute Topic 1. 10.04.2021 Dr. D.Y. Patil Homoeopathic Research cooperation Medical College & Research Centre, Maharashtra 2. 9.04.2023 P.D. Jain Homoeopathic Medical Cooperation for research & College, Parbhani, Maharashtra training with college 3. 9.04.2023 Motiwala Homoeopathic Medical Cooperation for research & College and Hospital, Nashik, training with college Maharashtra 4. 9.04.2023 Dhondumama Sathe Cooperation for research & Homoeopathic Medical College, training with college Pune, Maharashtra 5. 9.04.2023 Late Mrs. Housabai Cooperation for research & Homoeopathic Medial College training with college and Hospital, Nimshirgaon, Maharashtra 6. 9.04.2023 Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Cooperation for research & Homoeopathic Medical College, training with college Pune, Maharashtra 7. 9.04.2023 Rashtrasant janardhan swamy Cooperation for research & homoeopathic Medical college training with college and research centre, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 8. 9.04.2023 Sayali Charitable Trust, College Cooperation for research & of Homoeopathy, Aurangabad, training with college Maharashtra 9. 9.04.2023 Sonajirao Kshirsagar Cooperation for research & Homoeopathic Medical College, training with college Beed, Maharashtra 10. 9.04.2023 Dr. M.L. Dhawale Memorial Cooperation for research & Homoeopathic Institute, Palghar, training with college Maharashtra 11. 9.04.2023 M.H.F.’s Homoeopathic Medical Cooperation for research & College and Hospital, Gunjalwadi, training with college Maharashtra 12. 9.04.2023 Ratnadeep Medical Foundation Cooperation for research & and Research Centre, Jamkhed, training with college Maharashtra 13. 9.04.2023 Nootan Homoeopathic Medical Cooperation for research & College & Hospital, Kavathe training with college Mahankal, Maharashtra 14. March 2025 Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Homoeopathy for Mumbai, Maharashtra Management of Health Issues among Transgender 12Population in Metro City: A Pilot Survey. 15. 10.04.2025 Forum for ethics review Capacity Building in Human committee in India, Mumbai., Research Ethics Maharashtra 16. 10.04.25 Late Mrs. Housabai Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Homoeopathic Medical College & Trial on Drug code - A Hospital, Nimshirgaon, Tal- randomized double-blind Shirol, Kolhapur, Maharashtra placebo-controlled trial 17. 11.04.2025 Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic MoU signed between CCRH Medical College And Research and Homoeopathic medical Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra colleges for providing technical support in research training. 18. 11.04.2025 Snjb’s Smt K. B. Abad MoU signed between CCRH Homoeopathic Medical College, and Homoeopathic medical Shri R. P. Chordiya Hospital & colleges for providing Bhamasha Shri V. D. Mehta, Dev- technical support in research Vijay P. G. Institute Of training. Homoeopathy & Research Centre, Chandwad, Dist – Nashik, Maharashtra 19. 30.04.2025 Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Understanding the Mechanism Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil of Action of Tested Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra. Homoeopathic Medicines Employing Cellular Models for Insulin Secretion and Resistance. 20. 30.04.2025 Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Research Cooperation Maharashtra 21. 18-06-2025 Haffkine Institute for Training, Anti-Venom Study Research and Testing, Mumbai, Maharashtra 22. ` 07.01.2026 Aditya Homoeopathic Hospital Generic MoU and Healing Centre, Pimpri- Chinchwad, Maharashtra 13