Union Ministers to Unveil Multi-Centre Clinical Trial on Anaemia

In an upcoming announcement set for Monday, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Mansukh Mandaviya are slated to unveil a significant multi-centre clinical trial focusing on anaemia. This collaborative initiative between the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ayush Ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in treating anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age.

Titled “Efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age group: a community-based three-arm multi-centre randomised controlled trial,” this research endeavor will span across eight different sites including renowned medical institutions like AIIMS and KEM Hospital Research Centre.

Punarnavadi Mandura, a polyherbal formulation abundant in iron, will be a focal point of the study. Additionally, the ministers will inaugurate the Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Five Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) at select AIIMS locations, aiming to advance research in integrative health across various domains such as gastrointestinal disorders, women and child health, geriatric health, and cancer care.

Moreover, the launch of Indian public health standards for Ayush healthcare facilities will mark another significant step in the event. These standards are designed to establish uniform benchmarks for infrastructure, human resources, medications, and more, ensuring the delivery of high-quality Ayush healthcare services nationwide.

By embracing these standards, states and Union territories can enhance their Ayush healthcare services, catering to the needs of the population effectively. The overarching goal is to strengthen preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services within the public health framework, prioritizing uncompromising quality.

This initiative aligns with the principles outlined in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, emphasizing the integration of pluralistic approaches in healthcare delivery. With a focus on research, quality, and accessibility, these developments hold promise for advancing healthcare outcomes and addressing the burden of anaemia in India.