The government is taking the initiative to set up an International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA) at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore in Kannur, which will integrate all streams of Ayurveda and focus on utilising science and technology to validate the ancient science, Health Minister K.K. Shylaja has said.
The government has already set aside ₹50 lakh in the 2016-17 Budget and ₹5 crore in the 2017-18 Budget for the initial work on the project.
The IRIA has been envisaged as a comprehensive institute which will focus on research on basic science, drug development, novel therapies and disease prevention. Apart from research facilities, a knowledge centre, museum, medicinal garden and a special Chair for Kerala Ayurveda will be part of the project.
Some of the goals set for the IRIA include development of drugs for various infectious diseases as well as lifestyle diseases, intellectual property rights protection for innovations, creation of quality standards and protocols for the Ayurveda industry, clinical research in Ayurveda, encourage the scientific growth and development of ancient and indigenous treatment systems such as Kalari chikilsa, Marma chikilsa, Visha chikilsa and the like.
The IRIA will be developed with the help of inputs from AYUSH experts as well the Central Council of Ayurveda Research Centre.
A workshop being organised in connection with the launch of IRIA will be held in the here on March 29-30.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the workshop.
