The Ministry of Ayush was formed on the 9th of November 2014 with a vision of reviving the profound knowledge of our ancient systems of medicine and ensuring the optimal development and propagation of the Ayush systems of healthcare. Earlier, the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H) formed in 1995, was responsible for the development of these systems.

It was then renamed as the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) in November 2003 with focused attention towards education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.

The Ministry of Ayush, a ministry of the Government of India, is responsible for developing education, research and propagation of traditional medicine and alternative medicine systems in India. Ayush is a name devised from the names of the alternative healthcare systems covered by the ministry: ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and homeopathy.

Annual Budget: Rs 3,712 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Noteworthy Schemes:

* Ayurgyan Scheme: Approved for FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-2026, it promotes education and research in the field of Ayush and supports Research & Innovation in Ayush.
* Ayurswasthya Yojana: Provides financial assistance to organizations/institutes for establishing and upgrading their functions & facilities and/or for research & development activities in Ayush.
* Promotion of International Cooperation: Aims to promote and strengthen awareness and interest about Ayush Systems of Medicine globally.