In a move aimed at bringing greater consistency to traditional healthcare, the Ministry of Ayush has released Standard Treatment Guidelines for managing dermatological disorders across Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy, with Yoga also included in the initiative. Announced on October 13, 2026, the guidelines seek to strengthen clinical practice through standardisation, quality assurance and the integration of contemporary scientific evidence.

The guidelines were released on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day. Prepared by the Ayush Vertical of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the document outlines system-specific recommendations for preventing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring common skin conditions.

Psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, urticaria and dermatophytosis are among the disorders covered. The recommendations also address follow-up care and rehabilitation, offering practitioners a structured reference while preserving the fundamental principles of each traditional medical system.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, described the initiative as an important step towards integrating Ayush more effectively into the national healthcare framework. He said the guidelines combine traditional clinical approaches with contemporary scientific evidence to promote safe, effective and holistic patient care.

Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha emphasised that the document would encourage uniform clinical practices and support rational decision-making. According to him, the recommendations emerged from expert consultations and assessments of available scientific evidence.

The preparation process involved technical experts from Ayush research councils, senior academics specialising in the four medical systems, Yoga practitioners and modern medicine specialists. Classical texts, contemporary research and consensus-based deliberations informed the development of the protocols.

Importantly, the guidelines were also tested in real-world healthcare settings. The Ayush Vertical collaborated with the Directorate of Ayush, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, to validate the protocols among medical officers working in primary and secondary healthcare facilities. Their feedback was incorporated into the final documents to improve practical usability.

Director General of Health Services Dr Loveneesh G Krishna highlighted the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in strengthening patient-centred care.

Beyond clinical practice, the guidelines are expected to support professional training, education and further research. They will serve as reference materials for practitioners, researchers, academicians and policymakers.

The initiative marks a further effort to formalise Ayush-based healthcare delivery, although its broader impact will depend on implementation, continued evaluation and the development of a stronger evidence base.

Standard Treatment Guidelines for Ayurveda

Standard Treatment Guidelines on Management of Dermatological Disorders

[Guideline Link]: https://www.ayush.gov.in/assets/pdf/whatsnew/STG_Dermatological_Disorders_Ayurveda.pdf

Reference: Press Information Bureau