Unification of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy Policy and National Health Policy in India- Stakeholders and #8217; Perspective

Abstract

AIM: India has designed National Policy on Indian systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H Policy) in 2002 to emphasize the development of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy due to public patronage of these systems. Currently India has two health related policies, National Health Policy and ISM&H Policy. This study proposes to look into the need of eventual fusion of these policies for better healthcare. METHODS: An online questionnaire was designed to assess the views of Public Health experts and mailed to 100 experts. The tool was tested for content validity and a pilot study was done to find out the feasibility of the study. Study period was September 2010 to May 2011. The data was analysed with the help of Microsoft Excel 2007 represented as percentages. RESULTS: 58 out of 100 experts responded to questionnaire. 67% of respondents favored formation of unified health policy. Most mentioned reason for unified policy was ‘common goal of health’ of all system followed by ‘strengthening of health system’ and ‘equal status and growth of all health systems’. Respondents disfavoring the concept of unified health policy opined that all health systems have different principles which can be dealt by separate policy. CONCLUSION: Majority of respondents opined that ISM& H Policy should be merged to form unified health policy as health is a complete concept in itself and should be viewed in multidisciplinary approach.