The Union Ministry of Ayush, in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, announced a collaborative clinical study on Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy for Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s push toward integrative, evidence-based healthcare solutions to strengthen Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment outcomes.
The announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology, along with Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush, during a high-level event at Vigyan Bhawan.
The initiative aims to combine traditional Ayurvedic approaches with modern medical science to enhance the effectiveness of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment in India.
The event brought together policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and researchers to reinforce India’s commitment to integrating traditional medicine systems with modern biomedical research, particularly in strengthening Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment strategies.
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Government Emphasises Science-Led Innovation in Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated: “India is moving in the right direction in its fight against tuberculosis, with a significant decline in incidence driven by dedicated and innovative efforts under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”
He added: “The launch of this collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to science-led, evidence-based innovation, integrating modern biomedical research with validated traditional knowledge systems.
Through initiatives led by the Department of Biotechnology, we are strengthening research, fostering global partnerships, and advancing patient-centric solutions to address challenges such as drug resistance, undernutrition, and long-term health impacts of TB.”
This initiative is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to improve Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment, particularly in addressing complex challenges like nutrition and post-treatment recovery.
Ayurveda’s Role in Strengthening Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes
Prataprao Jadhav emphasised the importance of holistic recovery in TB care. He said: “The treatment of tuberculosis is not only about eliminating the infection, but about making the patient completely healthy.
With this approach, we are moving towards a new perspective where Ayurveda and other Ayush systems are not only supportive in treatment but also play an important role in improving recovery, nutrition, and the quality of life of patients.”
The integration of Ayurveda is expected to complement standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment protocols by improving patient resilience and recovery outcomes.
Scientific Community Highlights Integrative Healthcare Approach
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, noted: “Tuberculosis research in India has seen remarkable advances through innovation in diagnostics, vaccines, and large-scale cohort studies. This collaborative programme with the Ministry of Ayush marks a significant step towards integrative, evidence-based healthcare.
By combining modern science with Ayurveda, we aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and accelerate India’s mission to eliminate TB.”
Similarly, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated: “Tuberculosis management requires not only effective treatment but also a focus on recovery and quality of life. This Ayush–DBT collaborative initiative reflects our commitment to evidence-based integrative healthcare.
By combining Ayurveda with science, we aim to address TB-associated cachexia, strengthen patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to India’s goal of TB elimination.”
These efforts aim to enhance the scope and effectiveness of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment by incorporating validated traditional healthcare systems.
Study Design to Evaluate Ayurveda as Adjunct to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment
An overview of the study was presented by Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), along with Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, Director, BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII).
The study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an adjunct to standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), along with macronutrient supplementation. The objective is to generate robust scientific evidence supporting integrative approaches to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment.
Multi-Centre Study Across Premier Institutions
The collaborative initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2022 between the Ministry of Ayush and DBT to advance integrative healthcare. Led by CCRAS in partnership with DBT, the multi-centre study will assess Ayurveda’s role alongside Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment.
The 24-month study will be conducted across premier institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER, and NEIGRIHMS. It aims to improve nutritional outcomes, accelerate recovery, and enhance quality of life for patients undergoing Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment.
MoU Exchange Strengthens Institutional Collaboration
A key highlight of the event was the exchange of an MoU between BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS.
The MoU was exchanged between Prof. G. Karthikeyan, Executive Director, BRIC-THSTI, and Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS, formalising collaboration to advance research in Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment.
India Reaffirms Commitment to TB Elimination
The event concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the Government of India’s commitment to advancing integrative, evidence-based healthcare solutions.
The Ayush–DBT initiative is expected to generate new scientific insights into adjunct TB care and strengthen Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment frameworks.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern biomedical research, India continues to position itself at the forefront of innovative and patient-centric approaches to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment, accelerating progress towards TB elimination.
