In a bid to promote alternative medicine and natural therapies, the Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi has set up ministry to raise awareness about the potential of traditional medicines and draft a policy to address these treatment options.
PM Modi has been a great supporter of alternative therapies and has advocated yoga as a means to lead a healthy lifestyle. The PM even called for an International Yoga Day during his speech at the United Nations. Mr Shripad Naik, who took charge of the ministry, said, "This is our system and it has not received enough prominence. We will take it to the masses."
India wants to expand its presence in the global market of traditional medicine which is estimated to be a $100 billion market in the coming years. Further support from the government in terms of budgetary allocation can help in fostering the sector to a large extent. The government had allocated $174 million to develop and promote traditional health systems in the 2014-15 financial year.
