Spread of Traditional Medicines in India

Abstract

For the first time, we have a comprehensive database on usage of AYUSH (acronym for Ayurveda, naturopathy and Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in India at the household level. This article aims at exploring the spread of the traditional medical systems in India and the perceptions of people on the access and effectiveness of these medical systems using this database. The article uses the unit level data purchased from the National Sample Survey Organization, New Delhi. Household is the basic unit of survey and the data are the collective opinion of the household. This survey shows that less than 30% of Indian households use the traditional medical systems. There is also a regional pattern in the usage of particular type of traditional medicine, reflecting the regional aspects of the development of such medical systems. The strong faith in AYUSH is the main reason for its usage; lack of need for AYUSH and lack of awareness about AYUSH are the main reasons for not using it. With regard to source of medicines in the traditional medical systems, home is the main source in the Indian medical system and private sector is the main source in Homeopathy. This shows that there is need for creating awareness and improving access to traditional medical systems in India. By and large, the users of AYUSH are also convinced about the effectiveness of these traditional medicines.

Perception and Practice of People about Unani Medicine attending National Arogya Fair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

“…The respondents later asked question regarding the use of Unani medicine as a better healthcare option, out of 480, majority 444 (92.5%) of them responded positively by giving reasons that it has no or negligible side effects (69.82%), effective (9.23%), affordable (11.04%), being convenient palatable (5.63%) and cure diseases from its root (4.28%). 5,7 These findings are comparable with another study in which 62.8 % respondents thought it has no side effects, 8 but in terms of affordability which came out to be (11.04%) in present study is much less in contrast to many other study findings done previously on traditional medicine in Nigeria, Ethiopia. [11][12][13] A study from Dhaka observed that people are turning to Unani due to serious side effects of modern medicine and lack of effectiveness in many of the chronic disorders.…”

“…This is consistent with many other studies done earlier. [4][5][6] The usage of AYUSH across country varies; it was reported to be 32.1% in Andhra Pradesh according to the National Sample Survey Organization database by Srinivasan et al 7 The awareness level of respondents in the present study was very good which is in consistent with the study done in Dhaka but the majority of the respondents were from a particular sect of religion who are generally inclined towards Unani medicine. 4 However, less usage of Unani medicine among half of the respondents in present study was attributed to lack of knowledge, perception that it is slow acting so can't be used in emergency conditions, accessibility issues and for some people lack of scientific basis.…”

“…5 In a study conducted by National Sample Survey Organization's Report covering all parts of Indian subcontinent, less than 30% of the respondents have reported using AYUSH, the study finds a regional pattern in the usage of different types of traditional medicine in the country, the use of ISM (Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani) across states was high in Tamil Nadu (96.1%), Gujrat (95%), Himachal Pradesh (93.8%), Kashmir (93.7%), Andhra Pradesh (93%) and low in West Bengal (20.7%), Tripura (33.7%), Arunachal Pradesh (39%), Jharkhand (49.6%). 7 The majority of the respondents reported that they had received knowledge about the system through the 'word of mouth' from their friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues. These findings are consistent with other studies conducted earlier but on small sample size.…”

“…These findings are consistent with other studies conducted earlier but on small sample size. [5][6][7][8][9] The outreach activity, medical fraternity, print or social media are not the major sources of information and advice to the people about the Unani system of medicine. Therefore, there is need to improve the awareness about the Unani medicine.…”

Knowledge and Practices of Unani Medicine among Patients Attending OPD at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

“…In the present study, awareness level of respondents was very good, almost all patients knew about Unani Medicine (UM) and friends, family members and colleagues were the common source of information of UM which is consistent with previous studies. [3][4][5][6][7] The study conducted by National Sample Survey Organization's Report covering all parts of Indian subcontinent, less than 30% of the respondents have reported use of AYUSH medicines. 6 Therefore, there is need to improve the awareness about the AYUSH systems.…”