Efforts to recognise Ayurvedic terms on international platform

Kolkata: Senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush ((Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) will hold a meeting with World Health Organisation officials from June 10 to 11 to develop Ayurvedic terminology that has been coded so far by the experts.

The main purpose of the meeting is to explore avenues to recognise various Ayurvedic terms on the international platform. The Ministry of Ayush has developed National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic Portal (Namaste-Portal) where various Ayurvedic terms have found place with their synonyms in English and Hindi languages. Many old manuscripts, which were originally in Sanskrit language, have already been digitised to attract attention from the international audience.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of treatment in the country which is gaining momentum after both the Centre and the Bengal government had given an impetus to enhance the infrastructure to boost its reach.

The World Health Organisation had tied up with the Ministry of Ayush to chalk out a detailed plan on how traditional modes of treatment can be adopted in foreign countries. The ministry also signed Project Collaboration Agreement with the World Health Organisation for co-operation on promoting the quality, safety, and effectiveness of serving provision in traditional and complementary medicine.

According to Dr Asit Panja, an invitee member of the forthcoming event, Ayush system of medication has a significant role in delivering healthcare to masses. It is cost effective and will benefit economically-challenged patients. Hence it is of paramount importance to promote the traditional method of treatment not only in the country but in abroad as well. Dr Panja, a professor of National Institute of Ayurveda, has been a part of the team that prepared the Ayurveda Morbidity Codes.

The World Health Organisation has been developing a terminology in Ayurveda, Unani and Sidhha so that the terms, which are originally in Sanskrit, can be comprehended by the people in foreign countries and India's traditional form of treatment can be implemented in other countries.