Exploring the SMART Program: Revolutionizing Ayurvedic Healthcare Research!

The SMART Program, a groundbreaking initiative, aims to harness the research potential of Ayurveda teachers and researchers, ushering in a new era of healthcare research in India. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the SMART Program, its objectives, impact, and the initiatives driving the development of Ayurveda in the country.

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About SMART Program

SMART, which stands for Systematic Medicinal Approach to Research in Traditional Medicine, is a visionary program designed to unlock the vast research potential within the community of Ayurveda teachers and practitioners. It addresses the underutilization of this potential and seeks to channel it toward innovative healthcare research. The SMART Program is poised to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the field of Ayurveda, benefiting the nation as a whole.

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Aims and Objectives of the SMART Program

The SMART Program has a multifaceted approach with the following key objectives:

• Identifying Innovative Research Ideas: One of the primary goals of SMART is to identify and recognize innovative research ideas in healthcare. It encourages out-of-the-box thinking and novel approaches to tackle healthcare challenges.
• Supporting Healthcare Research: SMART provides the necessary support and resources to facilitate healthcare research in Ayurveda. This support ranges from financial assistance to access to research facilities and databases.
• Promoting Specific Research Areas: The program focuses on designated areas of healthcare research, including Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). By concentrating efforts in these areas, SMART aims to make a significant impact on healthcare outcomes.
• Motivating Ayurveda Teachers: SMART motivates Ayurveda teachers and practitioners to engage in research projects actively. It recognizes their potential as key contributors to the field and encourages them to take up research initiatives.
• Building a Research Database: Through the SMART Program, a comprehensive database of healthcare research in Ayurveda is being developed. This database will serve as a valuable resource for future research and policy formulation.

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Ayush: The Foundation of Ayurveda

To truly appreciate the significance of the SMART Program, it's essential to understand the concept of Ayush. Ayush encompasses Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing in India. It includes the following systems:

• Ayurveda: The ancient Indian system of medicine based on natural and holistic approaches to healthcare.
• Yoga: A discipline that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation for overall well-being.
• Naturopathy: A system that focuses on natural remedies and self-healing.
• Unani: An ancient medical system that originated in Greece and is based on the principles of balance and moderation.
• Siddha: A traditional system of medicine from South India that emphasizes the use of natural substances.
• Homeopathy: A system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.

Ayush systems of medicine are characterized by their diversity, flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. A significant portion of the population widely accepts them and offers cost-effective healthcare solutions. Additionally, these systems are gaining economic value, making them valuable contributors to India's healthcare landscape.

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Importance of the SMART Program

• It promotes rigorous research in key healthcare areas using Ayurvedic principles.
• It provides Ayurveda colleges and hospitals with opportunities to conduct research and contribute to the field's advancement.
• Encourages exploration of new avenues, discovery of innovative solutions, and validation of traditional practices.
• Facilitates bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific standards. This leads to evidence-based Ayurvedic practices.
• Enhances the credibility of Ayurveda and offers patients safer, more reliable treatment options.
• Boosts R&D, leading to advancements in healthcare practices, improved patient outcomes, and overall growth of the field.

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Government Initiatives for Ayurveda Development

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to foster the development of Ayurveda and other Ayush systems:

National Ayush Mission

The National Ayush Mission (NAM) is a dedicated mission aimed at promoting Ayush healthcare systems. It focuses on providing cost-effective, quality healthcare services and strengthening educational systems and infrastructure in Ayush institutions.

Aahaar Kranti Mission

The Aahaar Kranti Mission is a movement to promote a balanced and nutritious diet based on traditional Indian food principles. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating Ayurvedic dietary practices into daily life for better health.

New Portals on Ayush Sector

New portals have been launched to enhance access to information and resources related to Ayush. These portals provide comprehensive information on Ayush systems, research, and healthcare practices.

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ACCR Portal and Ayush Sanjivani App

The Ayurveda Centralized Clinical Registry (ACCR) portal and the Ayush Sanjivani App are digital initiatives to streamline Ayurvedic clinical data collection and research. These platforms enable the collection of clinical data from Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers, contributing to evidence-based healthcare.

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