Integration of modern and Indian traditional system of medicine for improving RCH services in rural areas of India

Ahluwalia Tej Paul, Indian Council of Medical Research

India is the second biggest country in terms of population and accounts for 16 % of the world population, with only 2.4% of land area. The population of India has increased 3 times after independence and has crossed 1 billion at the end of 20th century. The Health manpower of registered medical practitioners of Modern and Indian Traditional System of Medicine has also increased with the passage of time. But both the systems have been working in isolation to each other. The net result is that the existing health infrastructure has not been successful in meeting the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) care needs and aspirations of the people of India. Despite remarkable success in increasing life expectancy and containing diseases the outgoing century has found many villages lacking access to much needed affordable health care.