In a significant move to bolster academic and policy research in the realm of Indian Traditional Medicine, the Ministry of Ayush has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi. The MoU, inked in New Delhi today, marks a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing research, policy dialogue, and publications on national, regional, and international levels. Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha represented the Ministry of Ayush, while Director General Prof Sachin Chaturvedi signed on behalf of RIS.

This Knowledge Partnership will facilitate the continuation of academic cooperation and collaboration, with a focus on undertaking research and capacity building initiatives. Additionally, it will pave the way for the timely publication of an overview report on the Ayush Service Sector. The collaboration also entails the continuation of the Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM).

Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha emphasized the Ministry's longstanding partnership with RIS, particularly highlighting the contributions made through FITM. He expressed gratitude for RIS's active involvement in producing policy papers and providing valuable insights into the Ayush sector.

Referring to a previous report by RIS on the Ayush sector's prospects and challenges, Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha underscored the sector's significant growth, particularly in manufacturing. He announced RIS's commitment to producing a similar report focusing on the Ayush Service Sector within a defined timeframe.

RIS DG Prof Sachin Chaturvedi outlined the scope of the MoU, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive market estimates, product standardization, and regulations in international trade. He highlighted RIS's active role in developing a roadmap for positioning the Ayush sector as a hub for Medical Tourism, despite relatively lower tourist influx.

Furthermore, Prof Sachin Chaturvedi emphasized the crucial link between the growth of the Ayush sector and the conservation of biodiversity. He stressed the need for innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding biodiversity for the sector's sustainable development.

The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key officials from both the Ministry of Ayush and RIS, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing research and policy initiatives in the field of Indian Traditional Medicine.