SMART program

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Ayush has launched the ‘SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) program.

About SMART program:

• SMART is launched by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences(CCRAS), the two prominent institutions under the Ministry of Ayush.

Aim:

• It aims to boost scientific research in priority healthcare research areas through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
• Under the program, the government will identify, support and promote innovative research ideas in healthcare research areas including osteoarthritis, iron deficiency anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, generalised anxiety disorder and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD).

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following is the purpose of ‘SMART program’ of Ayush Ministry?

(a) Utilizing Ayurvedic medicines for lifestyle diseases

(b) Promoting scientific research through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals

(c) Updating the registry of Ayurvedic practitioners

(d) Assisting the Ayurvedic clinical trials

Answer