The Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences (ISHS) at Savitribai Phule Pune University, which offers post graduate courses in public health, nutritional sciences, health sciences etc. and is engaged in providing training and conducting research and development activities in the areas of public health and traditional medicine for over two decades, has been awarded a Center of Excellence (CoE) recognition grant to further strengthen the interdisciplinary studies with a focus on preclinical research. Considering these developments, the Savitribai Phule Pune University recently established ‘Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (CCIH)’ to foster high quality scientific research, training, capacity building, policy analysis, etc. with a vision to mainstream potential of AYUSH in public health.

A formal inauguration of the Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (CCIH) was organized by the Director of CCIH, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan and Professor Anita Kar, Director, ISHS. The program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Anita Kar and Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan and proceeded with the inaugural ceremony which was done in the presence of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Secretary of Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research and Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Special Secretary Ministry of AYUSH.

“There is a need to concentrate on five pillars to strengthen AYUSH sector, which includes increasing the research and development facilities, creating repositories of research, communicating outcomes of research to decision making authorities, preserving the traditional wealth of medicinal knowledge of Indians and creating a data base of outcome for future generations,” said Swaminathan during the event while talking about evidence-based counselling. Dr. Rajesh Kotecha on the other hand, talked about multiple modals and inclusive approach. “We require a good packaging to promote AYUSH which includes expertise, services, and more human resources to undertake scientific research that provides evidence of Ayurveda medicine,” he said while visualizing the model of AYUSH.

The Ministry of AYUSH has sanctioned a grant of INR 3.5 crore to the department for a three year period to fulfill the objectives of building collaborative research network, demonstrate value of AYUSH, facilitate human resource development and develop strategies based on policy and analysis.

On this occasion, CCIH had organized a national symposium on AYUSH Research for New India: Vision and Strategy where many eminent thought leaders including Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Mr. Ajit Sharan etc., policy makers, scientists, academicians and students participated to facilitate the effective implementation of key recommendations from National Health Policy 2017 for mainstreaming potential of AYUSH for the Healthy New India.

“Our Prime Minister has envisioned ‘New India’ where the AYUSH systems can play vital role in attaining this dream. We need to look beyond providing mere medical care, which is becoming unaffordable to masses. It is important to engage in the pursuit of good holistic health leading to physical and mental wellbeing. When global interest in complementary and integrative approaches is growing, this is an opportune time to build on India’s traditional knowledge systems with help of high quality research in line with advances in science and technology,” said Prof. Nitin R. Karmalkar Vice Chancellor, SPPU on this occasion.