The current pandemic has highlighted the government’s focus on alternative systems of medicines. It has also brought into focus some critically missing elements in the existing AYUSH framework. Like the WHO’s annual allocation of resources for ‘Disease X’—the unknown illness that may affect us, homoeopathy should have dedicated resources which can be deployed with expedience should an unknown illness befall us again.
Increased allocation of funds for mobilisation of all levels of the government’s homoeopathic services and centres in the wake of a pandemic should be a high priority. It is generally believed that AYUSH system treatment centres and human resources trained in vital soft skills required during the pandemic are inexcusably underutilised. Funding and framework must be set in place to never let precious resources like this be underutilised when lives are being lost.
An interdisciplinary pandemic task force is needed to co-ordinate activities within each AYUSH department, across AYUSH departments, and AYUSH and conventional medicine bodies like the ICMR.
Homoeopathy makes up over 40% of all AYUSH consumption, hence funding emergency extramural research, which is initiated and completed during an epidemic, is critical for AYUSH. Setting up world-class institutions and conducting high-quality research, including understanding the mode of action of homoeopathic medicines and ultra-dilutions, should be incentivised with generous funding and fellowships.
Exchange programs with leading research institutes, to train members of the research council and worthy young practitioners, should be initiated. It will help in inculcating research discipline and the members of the regulatory bodies will be up to date with the latest research methodologies across disciplines. Training conventional doctors for spreading awareness of homoeopathic treatment of conditions that have limited scope in allopathy will help manage them better and more safely.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN HOMOEOPATHY
The high standards of training homoeopaths need to be maintained and improved. The National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata needs an injection of funds for a large-scale revamp and to increasing its patient handling capacity. Similar centres need to be established in different corners of the country—particularly the National Capital Region.
Funding to establish research partnerships with institutes of excellence like the Indian Institutes of Technology and other international institutes of repute can yield significant results which will stand up to the highest levels of scientific scrutiny.
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS
Steps are needed to address the concerns and doubts people may have related to seeking homoeopathic treatment through aggressive yet non-sensational media outreach by government bodies like the Central Council of Homeopathy and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy. This will serve as a reliable, truthful source of information to combat any biased projection or misinformation circulating in the media.
The writer is a homoeopath doctor at Dr Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic.