“The aim is to expand the scientific base of the Ayush medical branches and showcase it on the global platform," said Minister KK Shailaja.
The 1st International Ayush Conclave being held in Thiruvananthapuram will focus on scientifically strengthening Kerala's traditional knowledge, said a state Minister on Friday. Inaugurating a meeting of the local-self government leaders in Thiruvananthapuram, State Health Minister KK Shailaja said: "It's meetings like these which will help scientifically streamline the traditional knowledge which is there in the ancient systems of medicines and being practised here. The aim is to expand the scientific base of the Ayush medical branches and showcase it on the global platform."
The state capital is playing host to the five-day Ayush conclave, which opened on Friday, where experts from 43 countries are taking part.
Ayush is a national body purposed with developing education and research in the field of alternative medicines, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
"The synergy between the Ayush Department and the local-self government in Kerala is playing a stellar role in strengthening the traditional knowledge and its activities. Already the Ayurveda system of medicine here is hugely popular. Our government is planning to open one homoeopathy hospital each in every village council in the state," said Shailaja.
Former Member Secretary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, KP Laladhas, told IANS that Kerala is a storehouse of traditional knowledge which includes various systems of traditional medicines and which are practiced more among the tribal communities.
"Documenting of such practices has to be completed and then the next step is to take it forward by linking it with the latest developments in science and technology. If that's done, it will be a boon for such communities who can look forward to the nuances of access and benefit sharing," said Laladhas.