Health sector reforms for 21st century healthcare
Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Health sector reforms for 21st century healthcare
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Original source:
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Darshan Shankar
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:
(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)
Full text available for: Health sector reforms for 21st century healthcare
Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.154214
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Health sector reforms for 21st century healthcare”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) India:
India represents a nation rich in medical heritage, exhibiting diverse health systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Allopathy. The country faces significant public health challenges despite considerable investments, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to leverage its abundant traditional knowledge to create an integrative healthcare model that serves its population effectively.
2) Ayus (Āyus, Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, reflecting India's traditional health systems. These systems, despite their rich heritage and public demand, receive minimal funding and suffer from poor integration into the mainstream healthcare framework, which undermines the potential benefits of a pluralistic approach to health.
3) Indian:
The term 'Indian' emphasizes the unique context of traditional medical practices within India's healthcare system. It denotes a rich diversity in health knowledge rooted in history, culture, and local ecosystems, indicating that India's approach to healthcare deserves recognition and incorporation in modern health policies for enhanced public health outcomes.
4) Knowledge:
Knowledge signifies the wealth of medical wisdom contained in India's traditional systems. The integration of this knowledge into modern healthcare can lead to innovative practices and improve health outcomes, enriching the current health system and providing effective solutions through a holistic understanding of health derived from centuries of tradition.
5) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the various systems and practices aimed at maintaining health and treating illness. In India's context, it includes multiple approaches: Western bio-medicine, AYUSH systems, and holistic practices. Integrative medicine aims to combine these diverse modalities to create a more comprehensive and effective healthcare system for all citizens.
6) Science (Scientific):
Scientific indicates the systematic exploration and validation of health practices, ensuring that healing methods are based on empirical evidence. Implementing scientific principles in research enhances credibility and encourages broader acceptance of traditional systems. This integration can facilitate advancements in healthcare by bridging gaps between modern and traditional modalities.
7) Drug:
Drugs represent pharmaceutical interventions aimed at treating diseases. The modern healthcare system heavily relies on drug therapies, often overlooking the potential contributions of traditional systems like Ayurveda in therapeutic practices. Acknowledging this can facilitate the development of complementary therapies, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects for patients.
8) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health through natural therapies. Its principles focus on prevention and wellness, providing valuable alternatives for chronic diseases. Integrating Ayurveda into modern healthcare could offer synergistic benefits, utilizing its long-standing practices to address contemporary health issues.
9) Life:
Life reflects the holistic perspective encompassing health, wellbeing, and the interconnectedness of various health systems. The acknowledgment of life’s complexity suggests that individual health cannot be treated in isolation; instead, approaches must consider emotional, social, and environmental factors, necessitating a comprehensive healthcare strategy that is more integrative.
10) Reason:
Reason emphasizes the rational basis for integrating traditional medical practices into modern healthcare. Given the growing public demand for pluralistic health options, employing reason supports the argument for reforming the healthcare system to provide diverse treatment modalities, which are more aligned with actual health-seeking behaviors, making healthcare more accessible.
11) Water:
Water is a fundamental determinant of health and is essential for survival. The public health system in India has inadequately addressed water quality and purification. Emphasizing traditional methods for water purification can leverage local knowledge and practices to enhance community health, particularly in areas lacking modern infrastructure.
12) Education:
Education underpins the knowledge transfer required for effective healthcare delivery. In the context of integrative healthcare, it emphasizes the necessity for training healthcare professionals in both traditional and modern systems, fostering a better understanding of diverse treatment modalities and improving health outcomes through informed practices.
13) Richness:
Richness indicates the diverse and abundant healthcare practices found within India's medical heritage. This diversity, embodied in multiple healing traditions, presents an opportunity for integration into a cohesive healthcare framework. Harnessing the richness of traditional knowledge can enhance therapeutic options and promote effective healthcare delivery within Indian society.
14) Disease:
Disease refers to conditions that disrupt normal bodily functions. In India's context, an integrative approach to disease management is necessary, recognizing the potential of both modern and traditional medical systems in addressing various health issues. This approach promotes a holistic understanding of health, preventing and treating diseases more effectively.
15) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga represents a holistic practice encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. As part of India's healthcare system, it offers preventive health benefits and contributes to overall wellness. Integrating yoga into modern health practices can enhance patient care by addressing both physical and mental health aspects, promoting comprehensive health solutions.
16) Quality:
Quality is critical in assessing healthcare services. The aim is to provide high-quality care through integrative approaches that combine evidence-based practices from both modern and traditional medical systems. Improving quality across all healthcare modalities ensures patients receive safe and effective treatment tailored to individual health needs.
17) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is one of India’s traditional medical systems, with a focus on herbal and mineral-based treatments. Like Ayurveda, it offers valuable insights into holistic health management. Integrating Siddha practices into modern healthcare could provide additional therapeutic options for patients, particularly in the management of chronic ailments and preventive care.
18) Field:
Field indicates the broad domain of healthcare encompassing various systems, practices, and research. It represents the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between traditional and modern medicine to foster innovation. Developing expertise across these fields can lead to new healthcare paradigms that better serve diverse population health needs.
19) Study (Studying):
Study underscores the importance of research in validating health practices within both traditional and modern systems. It highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to support the efficacy of integrative healthcare. Rigorous studies can bridge knowledge gaps and encourage acceptance and integration of various healthcare modalities in practice.
20) Rich (Ṛch):
Rich refers to the abundance of resources and knowledge embedded within India's traditional health systems. This wealth provides a foundation for developing integrative healthcare models that can capitalize on historical practices while addressing modern health challenges, ultimately enhancing the overall healthcare landscape in India.
21) Pur (Pūr):
Poor reflects the challenges faced by a significant portion of the Indian population in accessing adequate healthcare services. Acknowledging this disparity calls for urgent reforms and the creation of an inclusive healthcare system that leverages both traditional and modern practices to ensure that all citizens receive quality care.
22) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The integration of traditional systems like Ayurveda into pharmacological research presents opportunities to explore natural remedies and treatments. This combined approach could lead to innovative therapies that minimize side effects while effectively addressing health conditions.
23) Developing:
Developing indicates the process of evolving or enhancing practices, systems, and knowledge. In the context of India's healthcare, it emphasizes the need for ongoing reforms, focusing on integrating traditional medical knowledge with modern practices to build a more effective, comprehensive, and inclusive healthcare system for the population.
24) Citizen:
Citizen underscores the role of individuals in shaping healthcare demands and expectations. The integration of various health systems must align with the preferences and needs of citizens who seek affordable and effective treatments. Responsive healthcare systems enhance public engagement and ensure access to diverse medical options for patients.
25) Mineral:
Mineral highlights the importance of natural substances in traditional healing practices, particularly in Ayurveda and Siddha systems. The recognition of minerals as therapeutic agents contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of health and wellness. Their inclusion can enhance treatment options and promote the efficacy of integrative health practices.
26) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to herbo-mineral preparations used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. Recognizing the significance of bhasma in treatment regimens can provide insights into alternative therapeutic methods. Researching bhasma deepens the understanding of its composition and applications, supporting its role in integrative healthcare and modern medical practices.
27) Family:
Family signifies the foundational social group responsible for individual health practices and knowledge transfer. In traditional contexts, families played a critical role in maintaining health through shared practices and remedies. Reinforcing the role of family and community in health can enhance the overall efficacy of public health systems.
28) Doubt:
Doubt represents the skepticism often associated with the efficacy of traditional medicine in comparison to modern approaches. Addressing this skepticism is essential for integrating healthcare systems. Building trust through research, validation, and education is fundamental to foster acceptance of diverse modalities and enhance patient care in India.
29) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and pain. The comparison of traditional Ayurveda approaches with modern treatments indicates the potential for integrative strategies in managing chronic diseases. Exploring alternative therapeutic frameworks can provide patients with a broader range of treatment options and improved quality of life.
30) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drug action and interaction within biological systems. The integration of insights from traditional systems can refine pharmacological understanding, leading to the discovery of new therapies. Employing knowledge from Ayurveda and other systems can enhance drug development processes by considering holistic approaches to treatment.
31) Purification:
Purification pertains to the processes used to make substances clean or safe, particularly in the context of water quality. Traditional methods of purification, such as using copper vessels, draw on indigenous knowledge and can offer practical solutions to contemporary health problems, emphasizing the importance of integrating local practices.
32) Vishavaidya (Viṣavaidya, Visha-vaidya):
Vishavaidya refers to traditional healers of Ayurvedic medicine. Their role in community health is essential, as these practitioners apply localized knowledge to address common ailments. Recognizing and integrating Vishavaidya practices into the healthcare system can enhance accessibility and acceptance of traditional treatments in conjunction with modern approaches.
33) Performance:
Performance assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems. Evaluating the performance of both modern and traditional systems is crucial for understanding their contributions to health outcomes. Enhancing overall performance necessitates the integration of diverse practices and data-driven strategies to ensure that healthcare delivery meets the evolving needs of populations.
34) Evolution:
Evolution refers to the progressive development of health systems through adapting and integrating diverse practices. In India's context, recognizing the evolution of traditional medicine alongside modern methods provides insights into creating a more holistic healthcare paradigm that emphasizes equitable access to effective treatments for all citizens.
35) Cross road (Crossroad):
Crossroad symbolizes the pivotal moment in India's healthcare journey where traditional and modern systems must be evaluated for integration. The pressing challenges faced by the health sector necessitate thoughtful reforms that embrace multiple modalities, ensuring a responsive and comprehensive approach to healthcare that enhances overall population health.
36) Writing:
Writing encapsulates the documentation and dissemination of knowledge regarding healthcare practices. It is essential for educating healthcare professionals and the public about the value of integrating traditional and modern health systems. Effective communication facilitates understanding and acceptance, fostering an environment for collaborative healing practices.
37) Village:
Village underscores the importance of community-based health practices in rural India, recognizing the role of traditional knowledge and local resources in health management. Empowering communities in villages to revitalize their health practices can enhance healthcare delivery and create sustainable models leveraging local expertise and cultural heritage.
38) Species:
Species signifies the diversity found in natural resources, particularly medicinal plants and animals used in traditional systems. Leveraging the vast array of species available in India can enhance the healthcare system, informing the development of new treatments and therapies that harness the benefits of local biological wealth.
39) Pursued:
Pursued indicates the ongoing effort to explore and integrate various healthcare modalities. A sustained pursuit of evidence-based practices can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of health, promoting collaboration between traditional and modern systems. This ongoing effort is vital to continually improve healthcare delivery for diverse populations.
40) Animal:
Animal signifies the role of animal products in traditional medicine practices, particularly within AYUSH systems. Utilizing animal-based therapies can provide alternative treatment options, enhancing the understanding and application of integrative healthcare. Recognizing ethical considerations and sustainability is essential for incorporating these approaches responsibly into modern healthcare practices.
41) Priya (Priyā):
Priya is mentioned as an individual providing input to the healthcare discourse. Recognizing contributions from various stakeholders, including experts and community members, highlights the importance of collaborative dialogue in shaping healthcare frameworks. Engaging diverse voices is crucial for developing a responsive and integrative health system attuned to community needs.
42) Money:
Money symbolizes the investment necessary for reforming and integrating healthcare systems. Adequate funding is crucial for supporting research, education, and infrastructure development across both traditional and modern systems. Effective allocation of resources can facilitate the evolution of a more inclusive, equitable, and comprehensive healthcare landscape for the population.
43) Cita:
Sidha reflects an alternative spelling of Siddha, illustrating the diverse practices within India’s traditional medical systems. Recognizing these practices emphasizes the need for integration and innovation, enabling a broader approach to healthcare that draws on India’s rich heritage and acknowledges varying therapeutic modalities in public health strategies.
44) Ritu (Ṛtu):
Ritu is identified as another individual who has contributed ideas within the healthcare narrative. Acknowledging various perspectives emphasizes the collaborative nature of healthcare reform. Engaging stakeholders ensures that the health system evolves to meet diverse needs, reflecting a commitment to inclusive dialogue in developing integrative practices.
45) Asha (Āsā, Āsa, Asa, Asā, Āśā, Aśa, Āśa):
Asha refers to a community health worker role adopted in India, highlighting the importance of grassroots-level healthcare delivery. These workers facilitate access to health services, particularly in underserved areas. Integrating ASHA workers into the healthcare framework can enhance community participation and ensure essential health services reach those in need.
46) Pune:
Pune is a city representative of ongoing healthcare research and innovation in India. It symbolizes the potential for urban centers to lead transformative healthcare practices. Research conducted in places like Pune exemplifies the integration of traditional and modern medicine in clinical settings, paving the way for broader acceptance of diverse health systems.
47) Food:
Food encompasses the vital role of nutrition and dietary practices in health and wellness. Recognizing the cultural significance of food in healing traditions can promote integrative strategies that address dietary habits and nutritional education, contributing to a more comprehensive approach to public health and disease prevention.
48) Diet:
Diet refers to the nutritional choices influencing an individual’s health. Emphasizing dietary practices from both traditional and modern perspectives can inform healthier lifestyle choices. Integrating knowledge about traditional diets within public health initiatives can enhance preventive measures and support the overall well-being of the population.
49) Wall:
Wall represents the barriers obstructing the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems. These barriers, such as skepticism and funding gaps, hinder the potential benefits of a holistic health model. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for fostering a pluralistic healthcare approach that acknowledges and utilizes diverse treatment modalities.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Health sector reforms for 21st century healthcare’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional knowledge, Medical Pluralism, AYUSH System, Clinical research, Regulatory Framework, Tertiary healthcare, Health seeking behavior, National Rural Health Mission, Public health system, Primary Healthcare, Bio Medicine, Integrative healthcare, Secondary healthcare.