The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), operating under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Ministry of Ayush, has achieved notable successes in the first 100 days of the current government. These accomplishments underscore CARI’s dedication to elevating healthcare through Ayurveda and advancing the Ayush ecosystem in India.

In a significant effort to address the healthcare needs of the elderly, CARI’s Geriatric Care Program has exceeded its targets. Initially set to cater to 2,000 senior citizens, the program successfully reached 2,272 elderly individuals through its dedicated outpatient department (OPD). The initiative offered consultations, therapies, and lifestyle modifications rooted in Ayurveda, effectively addressing health concerns and enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens.

Under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), CARI organized 80 outreach tours, held eight camps, and treated 1,500 patients within the first 100 days. Additionally, a comprehensive survey of 480 individuals was conducted to assess living conditions, dietary habits, and prevalent diseases. Through 1,980 screenings, lifestyle disorders were identified, marking a proactive approach to preventive healthcare in underserved communities.

CARI has also made significant strides in integrating Ayurveda with modern medical services. The institute is leading the establishment of a Department of Integrated Medicine at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital in New Delhi. This pioneering initiative aligns with the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, which advocates for comprehensive healthcare. Baseline outpatient services and Panchakarma procedures have already begun, setting the foundation for this collaborative department.

In a strategic move to foster academic collaboration, CARI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to initiate a research project focused on entrepreneurship and commercialization within the Ayush industry. The project, launched within the first 100 days, aims to develop management principles for Ayush products and services, marking a new phase in the growth of Ayush research and industry.

CARI has also made strides in research and publication. The institute completed two prestigious multi-center survey projects at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt and Air Force Hospital Hindon. Currently, 19 research projects are underway, including nine collaborative studies with top institutions such as AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and JNU. Furthermore, CARI published a research article on allergic rhinitis in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), a publication indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, enhancing the scientific credibility of Ayurvedic research.

To commemorate Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2024, CARI organized a two-day national seminar in collaboration with the National Pharmacovigilance Committee for CAM (NPvCC) and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. The seminar, held at the India International Centre, brought together 150 students, research scholars, and faculty members from across the country to discuss the role of diagnostic practices in Ayush systems, thereby promoting greater awareness of patient safety.

CARI’s commitment to quality and safety has been further demonstrated by its recent accreditation achievements. The institute became the first under CCRAS to receive the prestigious NABH accreditation and also obtained NABL accreditation for its Pathology and Biochemistry laboratories. Additionally, CARI conducted administrative training for Ayush officers on August 3, 2024, empowering them with critical management skills for capacity building.

The institute has also actively engaged in social outreach initiatives. CARI participated in national campaigns such as Swachhata Pakhwada and Poshana Maah, organizing public awareness programs, webinars, and cleanliness drives. These efforts highlight CARI’s role in promoting public health and well-being beyond its research and clinical activities.

Looking ahead, CARI is set to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, with a range of activities aimed at spreading awareness about Ayurveda’s benefits. The celebrations will include seminars, webinars, public lectures, and competitions in schools, along with the distribution of medicinal plants, all designed to foster a deeper understanding of Ayurveda in the community.

With these achievements, CARI has firmly positioned itself as a leader in integrating Ayurveda into the modern healthcare landscape, reflecting its commitment to enhancing patient care and advancing the role of traditional medicine in India’s healthcare system.