The Kerala government has decided to implement the National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for the management of coronavirus disease, thereby opening the door for Ayurvedic treatment in cases of “uncomplicated” Covid-19 cases.

“…those Covid-19 patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms… who are either under isolation at their homes or at designated first or second line Covid-19 treatment centres can be provided with Ayurveda treatment or Yoga. Prior consent of patients is to be taken before management with Ayurveda or Yoga protocol is initiated,” a top official of the State Ayurveda Covid-19 Response Cell (SACRC) said.

However, the order issued late on Wednesday has not mentioned about private Ayurveda institutions, restricting the treatment to government facilities or state approved organizational framework already in place for execution of various Ayurveda programmes.

“The implication of the decision is much bigger. The state has taken the lead in utilizing Ayurveda for prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients back in April itself. The various Ayur Raksha clinics and post Covid management centres are witnessing good response with large number of individuals turning up for availing the traditional healthcare systems. The latest decision also allows ayurvedic treatment for a majority of Covid-19 patients in the state,” the official said.

The medicines suggested in the ‘Prophylactic care’ stage include Ashwagandha, Guduchi Ghana vati and Chyawanaprasha. That in the ‘Asymptomatic Covid-19 Positive’ category includes Guduchi Gana vati, Guduchi+Pippali and AYUSH 64. For mild Covid-19 positive (without evidence of breathlessness or hypoxia), the medicines cited are Guduchi+Pippali and AYUSH 64.

Post Covid Management measures include intake of medicines like Ashwagandha, Chyawanprasha and Rasayana Churna.