Schemes under Ministry of Health and family welfare

Health Policy 

The National Health Policy (NHP) of 2002 guides the strategy adopted by the Government for the health sector. The NHP 2002 evolved from the National Health Policy of 1983. Guidance was provided by the Bhore Committee Report (1946) wherein the main underlying principles for future health development of the country, inter alia, included that ‘No individual should fail to secure adequate medical care because of inability to pay for it. In view of the complexity of modern medical practice, the health services should provide, when fully developed, all the consultant, laboratory and institutional facilities necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.’ 

The National Health Policy, 2002 framework envisages, accelerated achievement of public health goals in the backdrop of the socio-economic circumstances prevailing in the country. 

Some of the salient aspects of the NHP 2002, inter alia, include: making good the deficiencies in availability of health facilities, narrowing the gap between various states, the gap across the rural- urban divide in attainment of health goals and reducing the uneven access to and benefits from the public health system between the better endowed and the more vulnerable sections of society. 

Accordingly consistent with the primacy given to equity, a marked emphasis has been provided for expanding and improving the primary health facilities. Emphasis has been laid on the implementation of public health programmes through local self-governments. The need to ensure improved standard of medical education, alleviate the shortage of specialists in Public Health and Family Medicine, need for an improvement in the ratio of nurse vis-à-vis doctors/beds, the need for basing treatment regimens on a limited number of essential drugs of a generic nature and progressively strengthening the food and drugs administration are among the various aspects emphasized in the policy. 

It also envisages setting up of an organized urban primary care structure, a network of decentralized mental health services and upgrading the physical infrastructure of mental health institutions. It visualizes an Information, Education and Communication policy which maximizes the dissemination of information to those population groups which cannot be effectively approached by using only the mass media and giving priority to school health programmes with an aim at imparting preventive health education apart from providing regular health check-ups and promotion of health seeking behaviour among children. 

The Five Year Plan outline the strategy for implementing the policy, bearing in mind the dynamics of a developing economy. Accordingly, the Twelfth Five Year Plan for the health sector envisages transformation of the National Rural Health Mission into a National Health Mission covering both rural and urban areas. It envisages providing public sector primary care facilities in selected low income urban areas, expansion of teaching and training programmes for healthcare professionals, particularly in the public sector institutions, giving greater attention to public health, strengthening the drug and food regulatory mechanism, regulation of medical practice, human resource development, promoting information technology in health and building an appropriate architecture for Universal Health Care. Government has taken a decision to formulate a new Health Policy in the light of the changes that have taken place in the country’s health sector scenario since the formulation of the National Health Policy, 2002. Accordingly, the draft new National Health Policy, 2015 has been placed in public domain on December 30, 2014 for wider stakeholder consultations. 

National Health Mission 

National Health Mission (NHM) encompasses its two sub-missions, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the newly launched National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). 

The main programmatic components include Health System Strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) and Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases. The NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people’s needs. 

National Rural Health Mission 

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) seeks to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to the rural population, especially the vulnerable groups. Under the NRHM, the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states as well as north-eastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have been given special focus. The thrust of the mission is on establishing a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system with inter-sectoral convergence at all levels, to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health such as water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality. 

National Urban Health Mission 

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) seeks to improve the health status of the urban population particularly urban poor and other vulnerable sections by facilitating their access to quality primary healthcare. NUHM would cover all state capitals, district headquarters and other cities/towns with a population of 50,000 and above (as per census 2011) in a phased manner. Cities and towns with population below 50,000 will continue to be covered under NRHM. 

Major initiatives under NRHM/NHM 

i)ASHA 

More than 8.96 lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are in place across the country and serve as facilitators, mobilizers and providers of community level care. ASHA is the first port of call in the community especially for marginalized sections of the population, with a focus on women and children. Since 2013, when the National Urban Health Mission was launched, ASHA are being selected in urban areas as well.

 Several evaluations and successive Common Review Missions show that the ASHA has been a key figure in contributing to the positive outcomes of increases in institutional delivery, immunization, active role in disease control programmes (malaria, kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis, in particular) and improved breastfeeding and nutrition practices. The majority of states have placed an active training and support system for the ASHA to ensure continuing training, on site field mentoring and performance monitoring. 

A proposal for certification of ASHAs to enhance competency and professional credibility of ASHAs by knowledge and skill assessment has been approved recently. The certification of ASHAs would be done by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The following components of the programme, namely, the Training curriculum, State Training Sites/District Training Sites, Trainers and ASHAs and ASHA Facilitators would be taken up for accreditation/certification. The Certification of ASHAs and accreditation of associated agencies involved in ASHA Training is intended to enhance competency and professional credibility of ASHAs, improve the quality of training and ensure desired programme outcomes, provide an assurance to the community on the quality of services being provided by the ASHA, besides promoting a sense of self recognition and worth for ASHAs. 

ii)Rogi Kalyan Samiti 

Rogi Kalyan Samiti is a simple yet effective management structure. This committee is a registered society whose members act as trustees to manage the affairs of the hospital and is responsible for upkeep of the facilities and ensure provision of better facilities to the patients in the hospital. Financial assistance is provided to these committees through untied fund to undertake activities for patient welfare. 30,338 Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) have been set up involving the community members in almost all District Hospitals (DHs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) till date. 

iii)Janani Suraksha Yojana 

This scheme aims to reduce maternal mortality among pregnant women by encouraging them to deliver in Government health facilities. Under the scheme, cash assistance is provided to eligible pregnant women for giving birth in a Government health facility. Since the inception of NRHM, 7.33 crore women have been benefited under this scheme. 

iv)Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) 

Launched on June 1, 2011, this scheme entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery, including caesarean section. This marks a shift to an entitlement based approach. The free entitlements include free drugs and consumables, free diagnostics, free diet during stay in the health institutions, free provision of blood, free transport from home to health institution, between health institutions in case of referrals and drop back home and exemption from all kinds of user charges. Similar entitlements are available for all sick infants (upto 1 year of age) accessing public health institutions. All states and union territories are implementing this scheme. As per the latest reports received from the states/union territories, 84 per cent pregnant women availed free drugs, 77 per cent free diagnostics, 69 per cent free diet, 47 per cent free home to facility transport and 39 per cent free drop back home. For sick infants, 73 per cent sick infants availed free drugs, 40 per cent free diagnostics, 10 per cent sick infants free home to facility transport and 28 per cent free drop back home. 

v)National Ambulance Services 

At the time of launch of NRHM, such ambulances networks were non-existent. As on date, 30 states/union territories have the facility where people can dial 108 or 102 telephone number for calling an ambulance. Dial 108 is predominantly an emergency response system, primarily designed to attend to patients of critical care, trauma and accident victims etc.

Vi)India Newborn Action Plan 

The India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) was launched on September 18, 2014 in New Delhi. It outlines a targeted strategy for accelerating the reduction of preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths in the country. INAP defines the latest evidence on effective interventions which will not only help in reducing the burden of stillbirths and neonatal mortality, but also maternal deaths. With clearly marked timelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation and scaling-up of proposed interventions, it is expected that all stakeholders working towards improving newborn health in India will stridently work towards attainment of the goals of ‘Single Digit NMR by 2030’ and ‘Single Digit SBR by 2030.’ The INAP will be implemented within the existing RMNCH+Aframework and guided by the principles of Integration, Equity, Gender, Quality of Care, Convergence, Accountability and Partnerships. Its strength is built on its six pillars of intervention packages, impacting stillbirths and newborn health. For effective implementation, a systematic plan for monitoring and evaluation has been developed with a list of dashboard indicators. 

Vii)Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 

This initiative was launched in February, 2013 and provides for Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services through early detection and management of the four Ds i.e Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, Development delays including disability. In 2014-15, 12,922 RBSK mobile health teams and 266 districts Early Intervention Centre have been approved. In the first quarter of 2014-15 (March to June, 2014), about 1.33 crore children have been screened, 8.44 lakh children have been referred to health facilities for the treatment. About 4.36 lakh children have received secondary, tertiary care. 

Viii)Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram 

This initiative was launched in January, 2014 to reach out to 253 million adolescents in the country in their own spaces and introduce peer-led interventions at the community level, supported by augmentation of facility based services. This initiative broadens the focus of the adolescent health programme beyond reproductive and sexual health and brings in focus on life skills, nutrition, injuries and violence (including gender based violence), non-communicable diseases, mental health and substance misuse. 

National Urban Health Mission 

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was approved by the Union cabinet on May 1, 2013 as a sub-mission under an overarching National Health Mission (NHM) for providing equitable and quality Primary Health Care (PHC) services to the urban population with special focus on slum and vulnerable sections of the Society. NUHM aims to improve the health status of the urban area with more than 50,000 population particularly the poor and other disadvantaged sections by facilitating equitable access to quality healthcare through a revamped primary healthcare systems, targeted outreach services and involvement of the community and the urban local bodies. The Centre-state funding pattern is 75:25 for all the states except north-eastern states including Sikkim and other special category states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, for whom the Centre-state funding pattern is 90:10. The progress made on funding status under this scheme has been given in the following tables. 

National Commission on Population 

The National Commission on Population was constituted in May, 2000 to review, monitor and give directions for the implementation of the National Population Policy (NPP), 2000 with a view to meeting the goals set out in the policy, to promote inter-sectoral coordination, involve the civil society in planning and implementation, facilitate initiatives to improve performance in the demographically weaker states in the country and to explore the possibilities of international cooperation in support of the goals set out in the National Population Policy. The NCP has been reconstituted with 40 members. The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of the NCP. The present membership includes the Chief Ministers of the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. As per NCP decisions there should be Annual Health Survey (AHS) of all districts which could be published annually so that health indicators at district level are periodically published, monitored and compared against benchmarks. 

Annual Health Survey (AHS) 

The first round of Annual Health Survey (AHS) was conducted and during 2010-11 in 284 districts of eight Empowered Action Group (EAG) States namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Assam. Key results on some of the AHS indicators have been released in the form of state-wise bulletins by the Office of RGI on 

August 10, 2011, which contain district level data on crude birth rate, crude death rate, infant mortality rate, neo-natal and post neo-natal mortality rate, under 5 mortality rate, sex ratio at birth, sex ratio (0-4 years) and overall sex ratio. In addition, the maternal mortality ratio has also been released for a group of districts in each of the state. The survey was conducted during 2010-11; the reference period for the data is 2007-09. 

Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) 

The National Population Stabilization Fund was constituted under the National Commission on Population in July, 2000. Subsequently, it was transferred to the Department of Health and Family Welfare in April, 2002. It was renamed and constituted as Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) under the Societies Registration Act (1860) in June, 2003. The General Body of JSK is chaired by Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kosh. 

National Helpline 

The aim of National Helpline is to provide reliable information on reproductive health, sexual health, contraception, pregnancy, child health and related issues. It is specifically for adolescents, newly married and about to be married persons from the high focus states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh but anyone of any age can seek help. 

The Child Health Programme 

The Child Health Programme under the National Health Mission (NHM) comprehensively integrates interventions that improve child survival and addresses factors contributing to infant and under 5 mortality. It is now well recognized that child survival cannot be addressed in isolation as it is intricately linked to the health of the mother, which is further determined by her health and development as an adolescent. Therefore, the concept of continuum of care, that emphasizes care during critical life stages in order to improve child survival, has been adopted under the national programme. Another dimension of this approach is to ensure that essential services are made available at home, through community outreach and through health facilities at various levels (primary, first referral units and tertiary health care facilities). The newborn and child health are now the two key pillars of the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCH+A) strategic approach, 2013. 

Family Planning Programme 

With its historic initiation in 1952, the family planning programme has undergone transformation in terms of policy and actual programme implementation. There has been a gradual shift from clinical approach to the reproductive child health approach and further the National Population Policy (NPP), 2000 brought a holistic and a target free approach which helped in reduction of fertility. The target free approach is now reflected in the state project implementation plans based on community needs assessment. Presently the expected level of achievement is estimated for each state by the indicators reflecting the community needs like contraceptive usage, parity, unmet need and existing fertility. Over the years, the programme has been expanded to reach every nook and corner of the country and has penetrated into PHCs and SCs in rural areas, Urban Family Welfare Centers and Postpartum Centres in the urban areas. Technological advances, improved quality and coverage for health care have resulted in a rapid fall in the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and growth rate. 

The objectives, strategies and activities of the Family Planning division are designed and operated towards achieving the family welfare goals and objectives stated in various policy documents (NPP: National Population Policy 2000; NHP: National Health Policy 2002 and NRHM: National Rural Health Mission) and to honour the commitments of the Government of India (including ICPD: International Conference on Population and Development; MDG: Millennium Development Goals, FP; 2020 Summit and others). 

Family Planning Scenario 

The last survey figures available are from NFHS-3 (2005-06) and DLHS-3 (2007-08), which are being used for describing current family planning situation in India. Nationwide, the small family norm is widely accepted (the wanted fertility rate for India as a whole is 1.9 (NFHS-3) and the general awareness of contraception is almost universal (98 per cent among women and 98.6 per cent among men: NFHS-3). Both NFHS and DLHS surveys showed that contraceptive use is generally rising. Contraceptive use among married women (aged 15-49 years) was 56.3 per cent in NFHS-3 (an increase of 8.1 percentage points from NFHS-2) while corresponding increase between DLHS-2 & 3 is relatively lesser (from 52.5 per cent to 54.0 per cent). The proximate determinants of fertility like, age at marriage and age at first childbirth (which are societal preferences) are also showing good improvement at the national level. The adjoining figure indicates the current position of social determinants of fertility in the country. 

Medical Research 

Department of Health Research (DHR) aims at bringing modern health technology to people by encouraging innovations related to diagnostics, treatment methods as well as prevention vaccines; translating the innovations into products/processes by facilitating evaluation/testing in synergy with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) which serves as the fulcrum of new department and other departments of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as well as other science departments. The focus is to introduce these innovations into public health service through health systems research. 

Research Schemes 

Multidisciplinary Research Units in State Government Medical Colleges 

This scheme aims to establish 80 Multidisciplinary Research Units (MRU) in State Government medical colleges to have a dedicated infrastructure for research in medical colleges to improve the research, clinical care and teaching with special focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). ICMR is playing the role of technical support by evaluation and monitoring. Total 62 Government medical colleges have been approved for establishment of MRUs and funds have been released to 42 medical colleges. Research activities have also been initiated in some of the MRUs. It is proposed to cover the rest of the Medical Colleges during 2015-16. 

Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRU) 

This programme is being launched based on successful experience of ICMR at Ghatampur (UP). This scheme has been launched to establish 15 MRHRUs during the 12th Plan in various states to 

transfer new technology for early diagnosis and management of various diseases to state health services on a continued basis. Till date 12 MRHRUs units have been established and research activities have also been initiated in five of the MRHRUs including multicentric projects at eight of 

the MRHRUs. Rest of the three MRHRUs would be established during 2015-16. 

Network of Viral and other Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Research Laboratories 

It is being set up for handling viral diseases and infectious diseases like TB. Under this new scheme this network of Viral and Infectious Diseases Labs will be expanded to 160 laboratories (120 medical college; 30 state and 10 regional laboratories) across the country. Till date a total of 30 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) have been funded (Five regional level labs; Six state level and 19 medical college level VRDLs). Under ICMR Task Force mode, 12 VRDLs are already ongoing (eight Grade I and four Grade II labs). The DHR and ICMR VRDLs are now spread over 23 States and three Union Territories of the country. In addition a Resource Centre has been set up at National Institute of Virology, Pune for Quality Control/Quality Assurance and training of various categories of staff working in the VDRLs and an Online Data Mining Centre for VDRLs has been initiated at National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai. 

Scheme for Human Resources Development for Health Research 

A major constraint in the current scenario is the lack of adequate and properly trained human resources for the health research. The Department of Health Research plans to strengthen human resource base of the country by organizing focused training programs within and outside India, for mid-career professionals in medical colleges and other academic establishments. 

Activities proposed under this scheme are: Fellowships for training: Researchers in identified advanced fields; Young researcher programme: To encourage young students for research; Women who had break in career: To engage the qualified women who had break in their career and currently unemployed in the newer areas of health research; Special training programmes: In specified areas, this also includes support to selected institutions for training; and Mid-career research fellowships: Faculty development for medical colleges. 

The scheme was rolled out in March, 2014 with sanction of 46 fellowships and support to eight institutes. In 2014-15 a total of 66 fellowships on various above stated categories were approved. Only 11 fellowships could be initiated in 2014-15. Rest of the 45 fellowships are planned to be initiated in 2015-16. 

Grants-in-Aid scheme for inter-sectoral convergence and promotion and guidance on research governance 

Presently eight science departments are significantly contributing to innovations related to different aspects of biomedical research. The department has planned to provide support in the form of grant-in-aid to for carrying out research studies to identify the existing knowledge gap and to translate the existing health leads into deliverable products. There will be special focus on encouraging innovation, their translation and implementation by collaboration and cooperation with other agencies by laying special stress on implementation research so that there is a better utilization of available knowledge. The scheme has been rolled out in March, 2014 and 168 projects were sanctioned in previous year. It is intended to undertake more than 100 research projects under the scheme in 2015-16. 

Indian Council of Medical Research 

Set up in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country was re-designated in 1949 as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with considerably expanded scope of functions. The 

ICMR’s research priorities coincide with the national health priorities. All these efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population. The ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Intramural research is carried out currently through a network of 32 permanent research institutes/ centres which are mission-oriented national institutes located in different parts of India including six Regional Medical Research Centres which address regional health problems. Extramural research is promoted through setting up of Centres for Advanced research, Task force studies, Open-ended research, Adhoc projects and Fellowships. Major activities and achievements of the ICMR during last one year are as follows: 

Affordable Indigenous Medical Technologies 

ICMR has significantly contributed towards promoting better health for the Indian public through the development, evaluation and delivery of various public health technologies. Several of the research leads of the various ICMR institutes have been developed in to diagnostic kits/devices and vaccine and have been released for the use of common men during the last few years. ICMR has launched seven affordable technologies, which are: Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis (JE) ; Test for molecular diagnosis of Thallassemia; Magnivisualizer for cervical cancer screening; Strips and detection system(s) for Diabetes; Test for detection of pathogenic bacteria in food; Technologies for Vitamin A and Ferritin estimations; Development of non-invasive diagnosis procedure for visceral leishmaniasis from urine and sputum samples. Efforts are being made to commercialize these technologies through identification of interested/ appropriate industry partners to make them available for the national programmes and public use. 

Other Research Activities 

AMR Surveillance Network 

ICMR has initiated collection of data on Anti Microbial Resistance in four leading hospitals of the country namely AIIMS (New Delhi), PGIMER (Chandigarh), JIPMER (Puducherry) and CMC (Vellore). It is planned to expand this AMR Surveillance Network to include at least five more medical colleges/hospitals in the network. 

Indigenous TB Diagnostics 

The ICMR’s joint endeavour with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and DBT to actualize the PM’s Vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Public Private Partnership’ has been successful in encouraging researchers and companies to work towards development and commercialization of indigenous technologies for TB/MDR TB detection. Validation of three technologies identified by experts started in November 5, 2014 at four sites, is nearing completion and analysis is ongoing. Other technologies are being evaluated. This initiative aims to provide a low cost point of care molecular test for DR TB for our country in near future. 

RNT CP 

A multi-centric study in six districts which are predominantly tribal has been initiated to demonstrate an interventional model to strengthen the RNTCP and reduce the incidence of the disease and improve the outcome of the disease. In Phase two, six more sites are being taken up this year. 

Leprosy 

A molecular laboratory has been established at Regional Leprosy Training and Research Institute (RLTRI), Raipur, with the help of NJIL and OMD, Agra and is being strengthened further. This would help in early detection of leprosy in nearby endemic areas and also support other institutions in diagnosis. 

HIV/AIDS 

To encourage development of HIV vaccine, a study has been initiated to validate the immunogenicity of the vaccine constructs in Macaca mulatta (Rhesus monkeys) prior to conducting human trials. 

Bio-safety 

ICMR in association with the DST had established Asia’s first Biosafety Level–4 (BSL-4) laboratory within the premises of the Microbial Containment Complex (MCC), NIV, Pune to cater to scientific studies for safe handling of highly pathogenic / high risk group of pathogens as well as new and re-emerging viruses. In view of the imminent threat of Ebola virus infiltration into the country and to create laboratory preparedness for the EVD two training workshops were conducted by NIV. A total of 16 laboratories have been trained to cover biosafety aspects, work practices of BSL-3 laboratory and Molecular diagnosis of Ebola virus. 

Polio myelitis 

The roadmap for the Phase IIA Laboratory containment activities for wild Polio viruses has been chalked out. It is proposed to complete the Phase IIA activities at the earliest. 

Influenza 

NIV Pune has strengthened the infrastructure for sustainable development to meet public health challenges from emerging and re-emerging viruses. During the recent outbreak of Influenza and influenza like illness in the country 2,545 clinical samples of patients suffering from influenza like illness or severe acute respiratory illness were received by NIV, Pune. These were referred by state health authorities for diagnosis of A (H1N1) pdm09. 

NIV also supported and sustained its network of nine influenza surveillance laboratories at NIV itself; SKIMS, Srinagar; NICED, Kolkata; KGMU, Lucknow; 

KIPM, Chennai; AIIMS, Delhi; RMRC, Dibrugarh; IGGMC, Nagpur; NIV, Kerala Field Unit. Diagnostic kits and reagents were supplied to these labs and the entire network worked in synergy with the diagnostic network of NCDC, MoH&FW to offer timely and accurate diagnosis of H1N1 cases all across the country. NIV also sequenced the circulating types of influenza virus and certified that the prevailing strain is genetically similar to the 2009 H1N1 pdm strain so that the vaccine stocks available would be effective for preventing the disease. 

Multi-centric surveillance of human influenza virus activity during the period 2013-14 by NIV, Pune showed predominance of Influenza A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) pdm09. Few instances of Yamagata lineage viruses of type B were also noted. Drug susceptibility monitoring of pandemic virus showed reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir in two 2013 virus isolates. However, seasonal viruses remained sensitive to oseltamivir. Genetic analysis of pandemic and seasonal viruses showed good match with 2013-14 vaccine component. 

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) 

NIV has confirmed a number of cases and deaths due to Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) from seven districts of Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Amreli, Patan, Surendranagar, Kutch, Bhuj and Aravalli district) as well as from three districts of Rajasthan (Sirohi, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer district). Recently cases have also been reported from, Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh. 

Outbreak Investigations 

Recently, NIV confirmed several outbreaks of CCHF. In the year 2014 CCHF cases were confirmed from Sirohi district in Rajasthan and Aravalli district in Gujarat. Besides, in 2015, nosocomial CCHF outbreak in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan have been reported. Recently (2015), a CCHF case has been reported from Attiwala village, Kanth tehsil, Moradabad district in Uttar Pr adesh. 

Research studies 

NIV, has recently conducted human, animal and tick surveillance studies to understand the prevalence of this disease in Gujarat. These studies were conducted in collaboration with IDSP, local public health authorities, animal husbandry department and National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Gujarat. Studies revealed that IgG antibody for CCHF was present in domestic animals of 15 districts of Gujarat and also in domestic animals of Sirohi district in Rajasthan. This is indicative of past infection of the animals with the virus. Hyalomma species of ticks, which are known to transmit the disease, were also found to be positive in those areas where human CCHF cases were reported and confirmed, thus indicating active transmission of the virus. 

Support to the State Governments 

NIV has also extended further support to public health system of the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan by conducting several meetings to create awareness of the State Government, training and strengthening of diagnostic services of the states and providing essential recommendations to the State Government for prevention and control of this disease. 

Diagnostics 

As no cost effective commercial kit is available in the market for detection of antibodies for CCHF, NIV has in-house developed the following cost effective ELISA kits to screen the CCHF antibodies in humans and animals: 

– Anti CCHFV bovine IgG antibody detection ELISA
– Anti CCHFV Sheep and Goat IgG antibody detection ELISA – Anti CCHFV Human IgG antibody detection ELISA 

ICMR’s Flagship Progarmmes which includes Tribal Health Research Forum and Vector Borne Diseases Science Forum continued to work for the health problems of the tribal population as well as studies on the control of malaria, filariais, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), kala-azar, dengue and chikungunya. A research cum Intervention project on AES/JE was launched as part of the multipronged strategy developed for prevention, case management and rehabilitation measures for prevention and control of JE/ AES in Gorakhpur involving seven ICMR Institutes and will keep on generating new data and support for management of the disease. 

ICMR continued to support, co-ordinate and monitor extramural research in different miomedical subjects viz., anatomy, anthropology, haematology and human genetics through Task Force Projects, Adhoc schemes and Fellowships in various research institutions, medical colleges and universities of the country. About 20 adhoc projects and 15 fellowships in a variety of topics were completed in 2014-15 including study of surgical anatomy of vasculo-biliary apparatus of human cochlear, ultrastructure of atrioventricular valve apparatus in human hearts, age estimation from teeth, genetic studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, primary congenital glaucoma, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Pediatric Celiac Disease Phase-II, hypospadias, familial hypercholesterolemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary nephritic syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis type II, male infertility, fragile X syndrome, characterization of the Bernard Soulier Syndrome (BSS), thalassemia, molecular characterization of hemoglobin, myelodysplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease gene polymorphism, genetic alterations in disease progression of chronic myeloid leukemia, gene polymorphism in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, etc. 

To accreditate, supervise and regulate the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics and banks in India, ICMR has developed National Guidelines on accreditation, supervision and regulation of ART clinics in India. To implement these guidelines in the country, the ICMR has developed a draft Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill to establish National Board, State Boards and National Registry of Assisted Reproductive Technology clinics and banks in India for accreditation and supervision of ART clinics and banks ensuring that services provided are ethical and that the medical, social and legal rights of all those concerned are protected with maximum benefit to the infertile couples or individuals including surrogate mother, oocyte and sperm donor within a recognized framework of ethics and good medical practice. 

Currently more than 1,457 ART clinics and banks have been identified. Out of that around 825 ART clinics and 152 banks have confirmed their contact details (total 977) and remaining 480 ART clinics and banks are in the process of confirmation. Out of 825 ART clinics only 335 ART clinics have been found in compliance with the provisions of the proposed ART (Regulation) Bill therefore, these 335 ART clinics have been enrolled under the National Registry of ICMR. 

ICMR coordinates international collaboration in biomedical research between India and other countries as well as with national and international agencies such as Ministry of Science and Technology, Indian and foreign missions and WHO, etc. 

It also supports and coordinates the international travel of Indian scientists engaged in approved bilateral collaborative research projects under various MoUs and Joint Statements with other countries. A total of 28 exchange visits of scientists/officials to and from India were arranged during the period under reference for various international collaborative programmes/projects. 

The ICMR International Fellowships have been awarded and also undertaken by six Senior and 2 Young Indian scientists during the year 2014-15. 

Medicinal Plants 

Quality Standards on 35 medicinal plants were developed and monographs published as Volume 12 of the series Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants. A MoU between ICMR and Pharmacopoeal Commission of Indian Medicine (PCIM), Ministry of Ayush was signed under which 120 Phytochemical Reference Standards generated through extramural projects of ICMR were transferred to PCIM along with all spectral data for characterization and Quality Assurance of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Drugs (ASU) drugs. This will lead to wider acceptance of Traditional medicines in India and abroad, as quality assurance is the key issue. Currently, Volume 4 of the PRS of Selected Indian Plants is also being finalized. Earlier 90 PRS compounds have been presented in three volumes and published by ICMR Monograph on perspectives of Indian Medicinal Plants in the management of Diabetes Mellitus. A compendium on the safety aspects of important Indian Medicinal Plants is also being compiled. 

Social and Behavioural Research 

During the year 2014-15, ICMR has initiated the 16 new projects on different aspects of Gender and Health, four new extramural adhoc projects and two fellowships. Focus is on gender inequalities and barriers of women to seek health care in Uttarakhand; effectiveness of a mental health intervention in protecting oneself against gender based violence and enhancing resilience in young adult women in Bengaluru; Disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD), clinical, social and psychological implications; MTP/EC services for women in a population in reproductive health transition, providers and institutions, attitudes and women’s access to these services in Kerala; Community driven Health committees-their feasibility and effectiveness in addressing gender issues in public health with special reference to TB; Assessment of prevalence and correlates of psychological morbidities/distress and its impact on job satisfaction and quality of life following sexual harassment in IT companies in Bengaluru; Healthcare facility preparedness and knowledge, attitude and practices among healthcare providers regarding gender based violence in Delhi; Work place sexual harassment: A comprehensive analysis of the health care sector; A prospective study of magnitude of domestic violence in pregnancy; It’s associated factors, related maternal health and birth outcomes in Delhi; Enhancing the quality of response of the health care system to sexual assault; Barriers to mental health care experienced by women in rural areas around Bengaluru; An evaluation study on Janani Suraksha Yojna assisted under NRHM programme in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states of south India; A study of knowledge, attitude and perception of young Indian men about gender discrepancy at work and towards females; Unwanted sexual experiences and victimization among adolescents (online and offline) – an observational study; Situation analysis of health services for sexual assault survivors in Karnataka; Barrier to seek health care for reproductive morbidity amongst women from urban slum. Further, eight adhoc projects have been completed. 

A new joint initiative of ICMR-ICSSR was planned to call for projects in the following identified priority areas: (i) issues related to effective delivery and utilization of services by the community focusing on structural factors, health seeking factors and factors influencing effective delivery and utilization; (ii) Issue related to service delivery and utilization by marginalized groups/ Dalits; (iii) Effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and behaviour change strategies; (iv) Social and behavioural issues related to diseases like malaria, TB, polio, leprosy, HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, reproductive health, chikungunya, dengue, and the issues of gender and nutrition, etc. 

Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy 

Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H) was created in March,1995 and re-named as Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in November, 2003. It was elevated to the status of Ministry of AYUSH in the year with a view to providing focused attention to development of education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy systems. The ministry continued to lay emphasis on upgradation of AYUSH educational standards, quality control and standardization of drugs, improving the availability of medicinal plant material, research and development and awareness generation about the efficacy of the systems domestically and internationally. Sowa Rigpa is the recent addition to the existing family of AYUSH systems. 

Encouragement to scientific research and education, laying down pharmacopoeial standards to ensure quality drugs, evolving good laboratory practices, following good manufacturing practices, regulating education standards, supplementing the efforts of State Governments in setting up AYUSH in allopathic hospitals and AYUSH units in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) and AYUSH wings in District Allopathic hospitals, upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries, creating awareness through organization of Health Melas and other information, education and communication, are just some of the ways in which the department is helping in the growth and wider reach of Indian systems of medicine and Homoeopathy. 

Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs are covered under the purview of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Since most of the medicines of AYUSH sector are made from medicinal plant materials, the ministry has set up a National Medicinal Plants Board to promote cultivation of medicinal plants and ensure sustained availability of quality raw material. A separate National Policy on Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy is in place since 2002. 

Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine 

Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) is a subordinate office of Ministry of AYUSH located at Ghaziabad. The laboratory was established in the year 1970 as a Pharmacopoeial standards setting-cum drugs testing laboratory at national level for Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) Medicine. It acts as an Appellate laboratory for testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs under Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940. The Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine was established with the objective to develop and validate pharmacopoeial standardization of single drugs and compound formulations for incorporation in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani pharmacopoeias and analysis of legal drugs samples received from Drugs control authorities and courts. 

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeial Laboratory 

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, (HPL) Ghaziabad was set up as a national laboratory for the purpose of laying down standards and testing for identity, purity and quality of Homoeopathic Medicines. The laboratory also functions as Central Drug Laboratory for the testing of Homoeopathic Medicines under the rule 3A, Section 6 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1947. Standards worked out by the laboratory are published in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India (HPI). The Department of Science and Technology has recognized HPL as a science and technology institution. 

Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicines and Homoeopathy 

Development of Quality standards of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Medicines and their periodic update to the needs of the consumers is the priority of the department. The popularity and demand of ASU medicines is increasing rapidly. Therefore, it was necessary to upgrade the existing Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine. The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine (PCIM) to cater to the needs of ASU Pharmacopoeia Committee and the Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for 

Indian Medicine (PLIM). Later on the department after taking approval from Cabinet has renamed the earlier Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine as Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy in order to include Homoeopathy also. The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee and HPL are also brought under PCIM&H. It is a fully autonomous organization registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860. The main objective of the PCIM&H is to publish and revise the Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeias of India as may be deemed necessary to ensure harmonization and development of the ASU&H Pharmacopoeial Standards and to make them acceptable internationally. Till date Pharmacopoeial Standards of 152 Ayurvedic formulations and 100 Unani formulations have been laid down in addition to standards on raw drugs used in ASU medicines. 

Public Sector Undertaking 

Indian Medicine Pharmaceutical Corporation 

Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) a Government of India Enterprise, having 97.61 per cent shares of Government of India and 2.39 per cent shares of Uttarakhand State Government through Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd, was incorporated on July 12,1978. The registered office and factory of the company is at Mohan, District Almora, Uttarakhand. IMPCL comes under the Administrative Control of the Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi. 

The corporation had acquired 38 acres land on lease at Mohan, a notified Backward Area, 550 metre above sea level (a valley in thick forest area adjacent to Corbett National Park). 

IMPCL is Schedule D, ‘Mini-Ratna’ Category-II, GMP Certified & ISO 9001-2008 certificated Central Public Sector Undertaking. It has established in-house AYUSH Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) and obtained approval for testing of raw materials as well as finished goods. The Authorized Share Capital is ₹ 75 crore and Paid-up Share Capital is ₹ 41 crore The commercial production of the company was started in June, 1983. The production activities are being carried out both manual as well as mechanized. The Company was set up with the objectives to manufacture and supply the genuine and efficacious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines to the Central Government hospitals, Central Government research units all over India and to State Government related departments besides sales in the open market. 

IMPCL is supplying Ayurvedic and Unani medicines all over India. As the automation and 3rd phase modernization is under progress, the plant capacity for Tablets, Vati, Capsules, Churns, Avaleha, etc. will be enhanced at least by eight to ten times on completion of modernization work. The sales during the year 2014-15 was approximately ₹ 32 crore. 

Statutory Regulatory Councils 

Central Council of Indian Medicine, New Delhi 

The Central Council of Indian Medicine is a statutory body constituted under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970. The Central Council of Indian Medicine with the previous sanction of the Central Government as required under Section 36 of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and after obtaining the comments of the State Governments as required under Section 22 of the said Act has prescribed courses for Under-graduate and Post-graduate education in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa Rigpa through the Regulations. The central council has prescribed 19 Regulations to achieve the goal of the Central Council. 

Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH), New Delhi 

Central Council of Homoeopathy is a statutory body constituted under the provisions of the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, which provides for the maintenance of a Central Register of Homoeopathy and for other matters connected therewith. The Central Government had amended the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 on December 9, 2002, and the amended Act had been enforced w.e.f. January 28, 2003. 

Besides above, this Council has also notified the various Regulations as per provisions of said Act. There are: (i) Homoeopathy (Degree Course) B.H.M.S. Regulations, 1983; (ii) Homoeopathy (Graded Degree Course) B.H.M.S. Regulations, 1983; (iii) Homoeopathy (Diploma Course) D.H.M.S. Regulations, 1983. (iv)(a) Homoeopathy (Minimum Standards of Education) Regulations, 1983; (b) Homoeopathy Central Council (Minimum Standards Requirement of Homoeopathic Colleges and attached Hospitals) Regulations 2013; (v) Homoeopathy (Post-graduate Degree Course) M.D. (Hom.) Regulations, 1989; (vi) Establishment of New Medical College (Opening of New or Higher Course of Study or Training and Increase of Admission Capacity by a Medical College) Regulations, 2011; (A corrigendum to it was notified in the Gazette on February 21, 2012,); (vii) Homoeopathy Central Council (Inspectors and Visitors) Regulations, 1982; (viii) Homoeopathy Central Council (Registration) Regulations, 1982; (ix) Homoeopathy Practioners (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics) Regulations, 1982; (x) Homoeopathy Central Council (Election of the President and Vice-President) Regulations, 1976; and (xi) Central Council of Homoeopathy (General) Regulations, 1984. 

Research Councils 

There are five apex research councils, namely, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Research and development activities related to AYUSH are being implemented under intra-mural, extra-mural and collaborative research programmes of these Councils. These councils are engaged in conducting clinical research, drug research, survey and cultivation of medicinal plants, toxicology and safety studies, drug standardization and literary research. 

During 2014-15, following reform measures/policy initiative were taken:- 

Validation of classical Ayurvedic formulations, to establish clinical safety and efficacy have been undertaken (safety and efficacy). 

Collaborative clinical studies have been undertaken in collaboration with reputed medical institution/universities. 

ISO:9001 certification has been obtained for CCRH, Headquarters. 

During 2015-16, the research councils have initiated various pilot projects in various states such as Swasthya Rakshan Programme: CCRAS, CCRUM and CCRH and Tribal Health Care Research Project. 

CCRH is also engaged in Homoeopathy for Health Child which has been implemented to sensitize target audience including health workers, patients and care-givers about benefits of homoeopathy for common diseases from February 2, 2015. The project is being undertaken at Assam (Kamrup District), Delhi (Urban slum Mayapuri), Maharashtra (Palghar district), 

Odisha(Cuttack district), Uttar Pradesh (Goutam Budh Nagar district) and (Gorakhpur district). A scheme has been started by Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) to conduct One Month Yoga Camp by administering Common Yoga Protocol in all districts of India to celebrate the International Day of Yoga through Government Organizations/NGOs/Voluntary Organizations. Provision of Grant of ₹ 1 lakh to selected organization from each district has been made under the scheme for conducting Yoga camps for general public, free of cost, for one month. 

In accordance with the scheme, Yoga camps were organized for one month across the country which concluded on June 21, 2015. Yoga class with Common Yoga Protocol was practised by the Yoga participants from 7.00 AM to 7.35 AM which was followed by one day Workshop/Seminar on various health related topics. 

In addition, the council has also conducted free Yoga camp for one month duration from May 21, 2012 to June 21, 2016 in Delhi and NCR at 100 places by engaging Yoga instructors. 

National Institutes 

At present, national institutes to promote the Indian System of Medicine are: National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur; National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata; National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru; National Institute of Siddha, Chennai; Morarji Desai National Institute of Yo g a, New Delhi; Rashtr iya Ayur veda Vidyapeeth, New Delhi; and Natio nal Institute o f Naturopathy, Pune. 

One institute namely, Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar is financially assisted by the ministry though it comes under the administrative control of Gujarat Ayurveda University Act. 

Three new Institutes namely, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, North-Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, Shillong and North-Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine, Passighat are being established and in advance stage of construction. 

In addition, an All India Institute of Unani Medicine is to be established at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh and the project consultant has been selected for preparation of DPR. An All India Institute of Homoeopathy is to be established at Delhi for which DDA has allotted 10 acres of land at Narela, Delhi. 

National Medicinal Plants Board 

The NMPB is an apex national body which co-ordinates all matters relating to medicinal plants in the country. The Board which was established in November 2000, acts as advisory body to the concerned ministries, departments and agencies in strategic planning of medicinal plants related initiatives and to plan and provide financial support to programmes relating to conservation, cultivation and also all round development of medicinal plants sector. The NMPB is presently implementing two schemes namely Central Sector Scheme for ‘Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants’ and Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants.’ 

As an important strategic livelihood initiative during the year 2013-14, NMPB has been able to bring greater focus on income augmentation of grass-root communities through value addition/marketing of medicinal plants, especially for states facing the challenge of Left Extremism. As against 142 Joint Forest Management Committees supported between years 2008-09 

to 2012-13, for livelihood, 491 JFMCs were supported during 2013-14 (out of which, 435 JFMCs  are located in left-extremism effected states). 

During 2014-15 NMPB supported 33,052 hectares of area for cultivation of medicinal plants and 8,221 hectares for Conservation and Resource Augmentation of Medicinal Plants. In addition, NMPB had supported for 395 JFMCs. 

AYUSH Service under National AYUSH Mission 

Providing cost effective AYUSH services, with a universal access is one of the strategies to improve quality and outreach of health care services in the country. Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), a large number of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy facilities have been set up on Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals and physicians in these systems have been posted in these facilities with financial support from the Government of India. Centrally Sponsored Scheme for development of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries of the Department of AYUSH, provides financial assistance to the State for the creation of such AYUSH facilities and for the supply of essential AYUSH medicines. Under this scheme, financial assistance is also being provided for AYUSH hospitals and Dispensaries for Upgradation of their infrastructure. Financial assistance for hiring of AYUSH doctors and paramedics and their training is, however, being provided to the states under NRHM Flexi pool. Department of AYUSH proposed a National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for assisting the states/union territories for the overall development of AYUSH Sector. 

Drug Quality Control 

The Drug Control Cell (DCC) in the Ministry of AYUSH deals with regulatory and quality control matters of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs including amendment in the regulations, introduction of new regulations and examination of other drugs related issues. The cell is made up of Technical Officers and it also administers the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Quality Control of AYUSH drugs and coordinates with the State Licensing Authorities to achieve uniform administration of the Act, approval of Drug Testing Laboratories and for drugs related matters. The DCC provides secretarial support to the two statuary bodies—Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board(ASUDTAB) and Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drugs Consultative Committee (ASUDCC), which are set up under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. A collaborative mechanism is in place with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for WHO GMP certification scheme any other export and import related matters of ASU Drugs. 

During 2015-16, the Drug Control Cell has taken a number of steps for regulation and quality control of ASU&H Drugs. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines for Ayurveda, Siddha Unani Drugs have been finalized and one training programme/workshop in Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM), Ghaziabad was organized for capacity building on regulatory aspects, which was attended by State Drug Inspectors and Licensing Authorities of AYUSH. 

Information, Education and Communication 

With a view to promote and propagate AYUSH systems, amongst the masses and to give wide publicity to the strengths of the AYUSH systems, the ministry has undertaken the following activities during the Financial Year 2014-15. 

(a) The ministry has organized three state level Arogya Fairs at Gandhinagar, Panchkula and Goa 

and six national level Arogya Fairs at Delhi, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and Jaipur. 

(b) Broadcast of Audio spots over AIR as well as a TV Programme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ was telecast through Doordarshan. 

(c) Calendar of the department was published and distributed.
(d) Newspaper advertisements were released for publicizing Arogya Fairs and Swachh Bharat. 

(e) 

(f) (g) 

Publicity through Low Floor DTC buses by display of AYUSH messages at the rear wind screen. Outdoor publicity was also undertaken through DAVP on bus queue shelters, metro stations, audio publicity at bus terminals, LCD/Plasma/TV screen display, metro rails inside panels, public utility, street furniture and kiosks, etc. 

Participation in 16 Health Melas and 12 Conferences/Seminars/ Workshops organized by reputed organizations/NGOs. 

Reimbursement to 141 AYUSH Industries for participation in the fairs organized by Central/State Governments. 

International Coooperation 

Several Memorandam of Understanding (MoU) were signed with various countries during 2015. These are: 

1. A letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between University of Strasbourg, France and CCRAS during the visit of Indian Prime Minister of India to France in April, 2015; 2. An MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine between Government of India and Government of Mongolia was signed on May 17, 2015; 3. Cabinet had approved the extension of tenure of the MoU signed with SATCM, China after its expiry for further period of five years up to 2017; 4. The Ministry of AYUSH agreed to provide one Yoga Expert to Yoga College to be established under Yunnan Minzu University, China. An MoU in this regard was signed between ICCR, MEA and the University at China; 5. The Ministry of AYUSH supported by providing Yoga experts and financial assistance for organization of Yoga-Taichi event in China during the visit of Hon’ble PM of India to China in May, 2015; 6. An MoU was signed between CCRAS and Rangsit University, Thailand on June 29, 2015 for setting up of Ayurveda Chair; 7. The Ministry of AYUSH had set up an AYUSH Information Cell in the premises of Indian Consulate at Dubai, UAE. The Cell was inaugurated on June 21, 2015; 8. The Ministry organised an ‘International Conference on Yoga for Holistic Health’ on June 21-22, 2015 consequent to the adoption of resolution for observing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga; and 9. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Turkmenistan on Cooperation in Yoga and Traditional Medicine on July 11, 2015 during visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India of Turkmenistan. The Centre established under the MoU was inaugurated during visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on July 11, 2015.