Accreditation policy introduced for AYUSH centres in India

To boost Medical & Wellness Tourism

By Krupa Vora

New Delhi

The Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) under the Ministry of Health and Agriculture (MoHA) and Quality Council of India (QCI) has introduced an accreditation policy for centres practicing and offering AYUSH treatments across India. The accreditation policy is effective from October 1, 2009.

Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, P K Jha, Director, Department of AYUSH, MoHA, said, “The accreditation policy will be applicable to centres that are strictly practicing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, alternate forms of healing in India. The criteria for accreditation are available with QCI and they will undertake the process of providing accreditation.”

The implementation of accreditation for AYUSH centres will work as an advantage for the Medical and Wellness Tourism industries in the country. The accreditation is a proof of certain quality standards maintained by centres across India and this will help attract medical tourists, as well as leisure tourists to India. The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is aggressively focusing on promoting India as a Medical and Wellness Tourism destination in international source markets, especially the Middle East. MoT will be hosting Medical and Wellness Tourism road shows in four Middle East countries- UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Kuwait (Kuwait city), and Qatar (Doha) this month.

“With MoT focusing on Medical and Wellness Tourism in a big way, this accreditation policy for AYUSH centres will definitely boost tourism industry as Ayurveda and Yoga form an integral part of Wellness Tourism in India. Such an act is important as it reinforces the quality and standard of services offered by these centres and in turn helps the tourism industry to attract more tourists,” opined E M Najeeb, Chairman, Air Travel Enterprise Group. Echoing similar sentiments, Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association said, “The potential and demand for alternate healing methods is immense in India. This accreditation will definitely help in boosting and capitalising the potential of alternate healing methods available in India.”

Source: Travel Biz Monitor

Related useful links:

• Quality Council of India
• Department of AYUSH 

Ayurveda Destination - India

India has emerged as a hot destination for alternative medication by providing indigenous medicine facilities/services throughout the country, says a new report by RNCOS.

The future of alternative medicine in India is very bright. In a developing country like India, alternative medications like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy have an important role to play in alleviating diseases- both chronic and acute. The cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, efficacy, and few side effects make them invaluable and viable alternatives to modern medicine.

According to our new research report “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, in addition to the existence of modern medicine, indigenous or traditional medical practitioners are providing their services throughout the country. There are over 3,000 hospitals with over 700,000 practitioners catering to the needs of traditional Indian healthcare. Indian hotels are also entering the wellness services market by tying up with professional organizations in a range of wellness fields like Ayurvedic massages.

After thorough analysis of the industry, we have found that the Indian Ayurvedic industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 22% (2009–2012) to reach a value of over US$ 1.3 Billion by 2012 end in the backdrop of rising demand for Ayurvedic therapy and products. The Indian Ayurveda market is currently dominated by the southern markets of Kerala and Karnataka.

To boost the influx of international patients looking for alternative and low-cost treatments, the government has started issuing M (Medical) visa to patients and MX visas to the spouse accompanying him. Under these new medical visa rules, patients will have the facility to bring two attendants - spouse and blood relations. They will be allowed two entries in a year, which means a patient can change attendants.

To better gauge the future success of the medical tourism industry in India, “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, provides a complete insight in the Indian medical tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the medical tourism market and discusses the key factors, which are making India a favorable medical tourism destination. Both statistics and trends regarding market size, medical tourist arrivals, infrastructure, accreditations, drivers and restraints have been thoroughly discussed in the report.

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About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.

Source: PRMinds