Ayush in Public Health (In 2 Volumes)

The book in two volumes on AYUSH in Public Health, from the perspective of Medical Anthropology, addresses the issues of policy research with a view to formulate an integrated National Health Policy, positioning AYUSH as the mainstream health care system, being an aspect of Indian Culture. The first volume has emerged out of a field project offered by Department of AYUSH, Government of India, during 2008-2009 to study the ground level position of AYUSH in four states of India as a sequel to the working group on AYUSH in Public Health for the XIth Five Year Plan. Similar project in Rajasthan and NHSRC undertaking studies in 18 States broadly following similar protocol has provided data for 23 States. The book aims to present a national scenario of AYUSH practiced as traditional primary health care with little (local) traditions as reflected in home remedies and with the help of traditional healers, and the projections under NRHM for mainstreaming and integration of plural systems of medicine. The book presents evidence of people?s indigenous knowledge and health care practices across the country which are validated as per the great tradition classics of Ayurved, Unani and Siddha systems. Second volume as a Handbook to orient AYUSH personnel in epidemiological research, with some case studies, is meant for capacity building of public health and teaching faculty for advocacy, based on scientific data. Annexures in the book would help to undertake research in Do-it-Yourself mode. The book is expected to create the need for National Institute of AYUSH in Public Health to be established in the public sector.