To mark the occasion of World Tuberculosis
(TB) Day, on March 24, the Union Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology announced
a collaborative clinical study titled “Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an
Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis”.
The announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra
Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and
Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences and Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of
State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State in
the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the presence of senior officials
and scientists of the Ministries. The event held at Vigyan Bhawan, brought
together policymakers, scientists, scholars, researchers, clinicians, and other
key stakeholders to underscore India’s commitment to evidence-based integration
of traditional and modern medicine to fight tuberculosis.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “The launch of
this collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to science-led,
evidence-based innovation, integrating modern biomedical research with
validated traditional knowledge systems. Through initiatives led by the
Department of Biotechnology, we are strengthening research, fostering global
partnerships, and advancing patient-centric solutions to address challenges
such as drug resistance, undernutrition, and long-term health impacts of TB.”
Prataprao Jadhav said, “The treatment of
tuberculosis is not only about eliminating the infection, but also about curing
the patient. Thus, Ayush systems will support treatment and play an important
role in improving recovery, nutrition, and the patients’ quality of life too.”
Led by the Central Council for Research in
Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in partnership with DBT, the multi-centre study will
assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an
adjunct to standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), along with nutritional
support. To be conducted across premier institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER,
and NEIGRIHMS, the 24-month study aims to generate robust scientific evidence
on improving nutritional outcomes, accelerating recovery, and enhancing quality
of life among TB patients, further strengthening India’s commitment to
innovative, patient-centric approaches for TB elimination.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
exchanged between Prof G Karthikeyan, Executive Director, BRIC-THSTI, and Prof
Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS.
