Evidence-based research: Ayush Ministry, Department of Science & Technology to work together


A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences, to identify potential areas of research to explore cooperation, convergence, and synergy for evidence-based scientific intervention in the Ayush sector and further application of these into the public health care system.

The MoU was signed by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, in the presence of senior officials from both departments.

“Traditional knowledge and modern science are joining hands, especially in health sciences. When we bring scientists and medical practitioners of Ayush together, we are sure we will come up with solutions, which will be available at affordable prices. I hope this becomes one of the finest programmes in the country,” Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, said.

On this occasion, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha thanked DST for their commitment to work with the Ayush Ministry in the development of new medicines and also a validation of mechanistic aspects of therapeutics.

The pact provides for the joint undertaking of R&D activities on scientific validation of Ayush concepts, procedures, and products, creates a platform for information exchange and brings about the application of modern science toward understanding Ayush-related basic concepts and principles.

The Ministry of Ayush would identify thrust areas involving Ayush-related systems that require an understanding of the basic concepts, procedures, development of newer tools, and so on in modern sciences. Meanwhile, DST, through the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), would coordinate the implementation of thrust areas through well-chartered plans and mutually concerted actions.

Partnerships with industry, R&D organizations (public/private), and government agencies/departments would be strongly encouraged. Further, the MoU will also focus on special calls for proposals under Ayush-related R&D activities solicited from the individual or group of National scientists who are actively engaged in research and technology development in academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and industries.


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