Gangtok – The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Gangtok, operating under the Ministry of Ayush’s Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), has made remarkable strides in healthcare and research during the first 100 days of the current government. These achievements underscore RARI’s pivotal role in enhancing healthcare through Ayurveda and contributing to the broader Ayush ecosystem.
One of the institute’s standout initiatives, the Geriatric Care Program, exceeded its target by providing personalized consultations and therapies to 539 elderly patients, surpassing the goal of 500. This program addresses age-related health issues, demonstrating Ayurveda’s holistic approach to improving the well-being of senior citizens.
RARI also expanded its outreach efforts under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Health Care Research Program (THCRP). These programs conducted 116 outreach tours, treating 1,730 patients and conducting 1,944 laboratory investigations, focusing on underserved communities. The initiatives have promoted preventive healthcare in rural and marginalized areas through Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle guidance.
In collaboration with the SRC-GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, RARI has been advancing sustainable agriculture by developing agro-techniques for high-value medicinal plants. This project aims to benefit local farmers in Sikkim by encouraging the cultivation of these plants, thus supporting sustainable livelihoods in the region.
Further expanding its research portfolio, RARI completed a Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey in West Bengal and has 10 ongoing projects. Additionally, the institute continues to contribute to Ayurvedic scientific literature, publishing several research articles in national and international journals, reinforcing Ayurveda’s relevance in modern healthcare.
RARI’s Pharmacovigilance Center reported and investigated 11 adverse reactions to Ayurvedic medicines, ensuring patient safety and upholding high standards of care. This commitment to safety reflects RARI’s dedication to maintaining quality in Ayurveda treatments and building public trust.
In recognition of its excellence, RARI has received National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation and expanded its services by upgrading laboratory facilities and opening three sub-centers to broaden access to Ayurvedic treatments.
Beyond healthcare services, RARI has been active in national public health campaigns, organizing health camps and awareness initiatives as part of Swachhata Pakhwada and Rashtriya Poshan Maah. These efforts reached hundreds of beneficiaries in Sikkim, promoting healthier lifestyles through Ayurveda.
The institute’s Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit (SMPU) also conducted a comprehensive survey across Sikkim, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, documenting local medicinal plants. With five ongoing projects under SMPU, RARI plans to upgrade its operations to NABL standards, enhancing research and conservation of valuable medicinal resources.
RARI is now preparing for its 9th Ayurveda Day Celebration on October 29, 2024, with the theme “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health.” The event will include seminars, webinars, and public lectures, raising awareness about Ayurveda’s potential to contribute to global health. Additionally, in November, RARI will co-host an international conference on “Bioeconomy from Bioresources,” promoting the traditional resources of Northeast India.
The Ministry of Ayush has also made significant international strides, including a donor agreement with the WHO and partnerships with Vietnam and Malaysia on medicinal plants and Ayurveda. Domestically, it has launched initiatives like the “One Herb, One Standard” project and tehsil-level medical stores to expand access to Ayush medicines.
These milestones highlight RARI’s role in advancing Ayurveda as a key component of healthcare, research, and sustainable development, positioning the institute as a leader in the Ayush ecosystem.