The Union Ministry of Ayush, in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, announced a collaborative clinical study titled “Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis.”

The joint announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of senior officials and scientists of the ministries.

The event brought together policymakers, scientists, scholars, researchers, clinicians and other key stakeholders to underscore India’s commitment to evidence-based integration of traditional and modern medicine in the fight against tuberculosis.

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, stated, “India is moving in the right direction in its fight against tuberculosis, with a significant decline in incidence driven by dedicated and innovative efforts under the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“The launch of this collaborative clinical study reflects our commitment to science-led, evidence-based innovation, integrating modern biomedical research with validated traditional knowledge systems. Through initiatives led by the Department of Biotechnology, we are strengthening research, fostering global partnerships and advancing patient-centric solutions to address challenges such as drug resistance, undernutrition and long-term health impacts of TB,” he added.

In his address, Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasised, “The treatment of tuberculosis is not only about eliminating the infection, but about making the patient completely healthy. With this approach, we are moving towards a new perspective where Ayurveda and other Ayush systems are not only supportive in treatment, but also play an important role in improving recovery, nutrition and the quality of life of patients.”

The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Director General, BRIC and Chairman, BIRAC, who highlighted,“Tuberculosis research in India has seen remarkable advances through innovation in diagnostics, vaccines and large-scale cohort studies. This collaborative programme with the Ministry of Ayush marks a significant step towards integrative, evidence-based healthcare. By combining modern science with Ayurveda, we aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life and accelerate India’s mission to eliminate TB.”

An overview of the collaborative clinical study was presented by Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), along with Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, Director, BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII). The presentation detailed the scientific design, objectives and expected outcomes of the study, which aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an adjunct to standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), along with macronutrient supplementation.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said, “Tuberculosis management requires not only effective treatment, but also a focus on recovery and quality of life. This Ayush-DBT collaborative initiative reflects our commitment to evidence-based integrative healthcare. By combining Ayurveda with science, we aim to address TB-associated cachexia, strengthen patient outcomes and contribute meaningfully to India’s goal of TB elimination.”

The collaborative clinical study is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ayush and the DBT, rooted in the MoU signed in May 2022 to advance integrative and evidence-based healthcare. Led by CCRAS in partnership with DBT, the multi-centre study will assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an Ayurveda regimen as an adjunct to standard ATT, along with nutritional support.

To be conducted across premier institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER and NEIGRIHMS, the 24-month study aims to generate robust scientific evidence on improving nutritional outcomes, accelerating recovery and enhancing quality of life among TB patients, further strengthening India’s commitment to innovative and patient-centric approaches for TB elimination.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and CCRAS was also signed, formalising institutional collaboration.

The Ayush-DBT collaborative initiative is expected to pave the way for new scientific insights into adjunct TB care, while reinforcing India’s leadership in combining traditional knowledge with modern biomedical research for improved patient outcomes and accelerated progress towards TB elimination.