Kumari Palany & Co

Arthur D Little and BEGIN India launches the International Ayurveda Alliance (IAA)

Posted on: 02/Sep/2020 11:34:16 AM
Arthur D. Little (ADL), the oldest global management consulting firm, today announced the launch of the International Ayurveda Alliance (IAA)in partnership with BEGIN India Think Tank and HumanSTAR*. Its aim is to reposition India as a global powerhouse for the ancient medical practice of Indian Ayurveda. The Alliance’s main charter is to drive the creation of the largest global repository of Indian Ayurveda practices, creating  an industry-wide technology platform for diagnostics and measurement of clinical outcomes. In the wake of the alarming global consequences of COVID-19, the IAA can be a one-of-its-kind initiative to bolster global healthcare systems.

Notably, IAA envisages a clinically measurable evidence-based system that will position Indian Ayurveda as a  credible medical alternative grounded in modern science. Developing new-age practices such as reverse-pharmacology, associated meta-research and clinical analyses, combined with policy advocacy and thought leadership can enable Indian Ayurveda to take a prominent place in global health systems. Alongside, incorporating the best practices of other successful traditional medicinal frameworks from across the world will create a formidable synthesis.  Practitioners equipped with this knowledge will benefit from valuable training and certifications grounded in the science of Indian Ayurveda.

India’s government is committed to providing a critical thrust to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This calls for reimagining Ayurveda and associated systems with industry collaboration and new Centers of Excellence for R&D. In addition to a knowledge repository, a clinical evidence framework and AI platform are envisaged, guided by a technology roadmap. Along with building awareness of, confidence in, and the brand value of traditional medicine, the development of indigenous companies at scale locally and internationally will be encouraged. 

Mr. Barnik Chitran Maitra, the Managing Partner and CEO of ADL India and South Asia, envisions this as a holistic industry-led exercise to reimagine Indian Ayurveda for the 21st century. “Ancient Ayurvedic practices have been the cornerstone of wellness in India and the industry has a unique opportunity to propel the global acceptance of Ayurveda. The IAA is the first step in the renaissance of ancient Indian medical systems­­ and aims to catalyse a USD 50 billion dollar industry creating over 15 million of jobs for Indians.”

Mr. Ddeepak Kapoor, the founder of BEGIN India Think Tank, says “We are delighted to embark on creating a future-ready ecosystem which gives Ayurveda the global elevation it deserves. Our consulting partner ADL brings the right mix of global healthcare system experience and access to global technology capabilities in digital knowledge management, machine learning and artificial intelligence. We are also encouraged by the enthusiastic support from critical industry stakeholders who are committed to the success of the initiative.”