The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the two prominent institutions under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India for regulating medical education and conducting scientific research respectively, have launched ‘SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) program aimed to boost scientific research in priority healthcare research areas through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
Today, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and Prof. Jayant Deopujari, Chairman, of NCISM, launched the program in front of Prof. B. S. Prasad, NCISM’s President of the Board of Ayurveda.
Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman, of NCISM, lauded the initiative and said, “I am confident that this program has the potential to transform clinical research in Ayurveda. It was observed that the research potential of the large community of Ayurveda teachers remains underutilized mostly. Therefore, the ‘SMART’ program will have a deep long-term rejuvenating impact on research in the field of Ayurveda and it will be a great service to the nation, I congratulate CCRAS for this initiative and ensure all support on behalf of NCISM.”
Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, highlighted the key points of SMART, “The proposed initiative aims to identify, support and promote innovative healthcare research ideas, such as osteoarthritis, iron deficiency, chronic bronchitis, dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, generalized anxiety disorder (NAFLD),)”.
He also said, “Eligible Ayurvedic academic institutions can apply by 10 January 2023.” NCISM has shared all details regarding contact information, eligibility criteria, and the application process with all recognized academic institutions and hospitals.
Professor B. S. Prasad, President of the Board of Ayurveda, NCISM, said, “The large network of Ayurveda colleges and hospitals is an asset for the country.” In addition to providing healthcare services in tough times, this network also contributes to healthcare research. SMART will motivate teachers to take up projects in specific areas of healthcare research and create a big database.”