Siddha and Ayurveda Centers Struggle to Cope with Rising Demand Amid Shortages

Siddha and Ayurveda centers across India are witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand as more people turn to traditional medicine for holistic healing and immunity-boosting therapies. However, despite the increasing popularity, these centers face significant challenges that threaten to undermine their ability to meet growing patient needs effectively.

Rising Demand and Public Trust

Since the pandemic, Siddha and Ayurveda centers have experienced a sharp rise in consultations. In Madurai, corporation-run Siddha centers have seen a jump in daily footfall from 45 to 60 patients, leading to a spike in annual medicine expenditure from ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh over the past five years. Similarly, Ayurveda hospitals in Kerala and Ludhiana report increased demand, with many facilities struggling to keep pace.

The demand surge is attributed to rising public awareness about the benefits of alternative medicine, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. Traditional therapies such as Panchakarma for detoxification and Kayakalpa for rejuvenation have also gained traction among wellness seekers.

Challenges Hindering Growth

Despite this growing demand, the sector is grappling with severe challenges:

1. Shortage of Qualified Practitioners

Many government health centers operate with minimal staff. In Madurai, after the retirement of two senior doctors, only three remain to manage patient inflow. Tamil Nadu, despite its rich tradition of Siddha medicine, has 1,600 government primary health centers, but only 450 have a Siddha wing. Another 200 centers rely on National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)-funded doctors, leaving many qualified Siddha graduates unemployed despite the rising demand.

2. Inadequate Infrastructure

In Kerala, Ayurveda hospitals under the Ardram Health Mission lack modernization and are poorly staffed. Some facilities are forced to operate with a single doctor, with non-medical staff occasionally attending to patients in emergencies. Of the 157 panchayats in the state, many still do not have Ayurveda hospitals, leaving rural populations underserved.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions

Ludhiana’s Ayurvedic dispensaries have been operating without essential medicines for over a year. The Ayurvedic clinic at the civil hospital has been relying on donations and medicines purchased by doctors. Due to the medicine shortage, patient numbers have fallen from 40 to below 20 per day.

4. Lack of Trained Personnel for Wellness Tourism

India’s booming Ayurveda spa and wellness industry is also facing a shortfall of adequately trained therapists. With the industry requiring 20,000 trained personnel annually, the gap between demand and supply is hindering both domestic and international growth.

Government Intervention and Way Forward

Experts stress the need for urgent government intervention to address these challenges. Proposed solutions include:

• Expand Training Programs: Introduce more certification and skill development programs to produce qualified Siddha and Ayurveda practitioners.
• Modernize Infrastructure: Upgrade facilities and increase staffing in government-run Ayurveda and Siddha centers.
• Promote Herb Cultivation: Encourage sustainable cultivation of medicinal herbs to ensure a steady supply of raw materials.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships between government and private institutions to fund and improve traditional healthcare services.

A Growing Industry with Untapped Potential

As India positions itself as a hub for medical tourism, addressing these systemic issues can help Siddha and Ayurveda centers thrive. With global interest in holistic and natural healing on the rise, this sector holds immense potential to boost India’s healthcare and wellness tourism landscape