Ayush services sector expansion

Introduction to the Ayush Services Sector

The Ayush services sector in India has been growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% since 2022-23. The sector, which comprises Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy, was estimated at $36.92 billion in 2024-25.

According to a new report by the Central government, the sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services. Women account for 43% of the workforce in the sector, with their representation crossing 50% in several organised segments.

Women Representation in the Ayush Services Sector

Women’s representation is highest in spas and wellness resorts, where it exceeds 60%, followed by educational institutions at 58%, day-care centres at 57% and hospitals at 53%. This is a significant development, as it indicates that women are playing a major role in the growth of the sector.

The findings come as the Ayush services economy expands beyond traditional clinical practice into wellness, education, preventive health and medical value travel. The sector is also gaining a foothold in medical value travel, with Ayush-related medical value travel generating an estimated $1.77 billion in 2024-25.

Sector Revenue and Growth

Standalone clinics remain the largest segment, generating an estimated $16.21 billion, or 43.9% of the sector’s revenue. Day-care centres contribute another $10.13 billion, while the wellness segment has recorded a 21.29% compound annual growth rate.

Ayurveda remains the largest individual Ayush system, accounting for $17.73 billion, or about 48% of the total services revenue. Yoga centres have also registered significant growth, with a 75% increase in revenue over two years.

Employment Opportunities in the Ayush Services Sector

The report projects that the Ayush services economy could expand to between $216 billion and $318 billion by 2047, creating further employment opportunities in healthcare delivery, wellness, education, medical travel, research, digital health and allied services.

Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said that the sector’s expansion is creating employment opportunities across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services, while also opening avenues for entrepreneurship and women’s participation.

Key Statistics

• The Ayush services sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services.
• Women account for 43% of the workforce in the sector.
• The sector was estimated at $36.92 billion in 2024-25.
• The sector has registered a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% since 2022-23.
• Ayurveda remains the largest individual Ayush system, accounting for $17.73 billion, or about 48% of the total services revenue.

The report highlights the significant contribution of the Ayush services sector to the Indian economy, and the potential for further growth and employment opportunities in the sector.

Background and History of the Ayush Services Sector

The Ayush services sector has a long history in India, with traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy being practiced for centuries. However, it is only in recent years that the sector has started to gain recognition and support from the government.

In 2014, the Indian government established the Ministry of Ayush, which is responsible for promoting and regulating the sector. Since then, the sector has seen significant growth, with the government launching several initiatives to promote Ayush services, including the National Ayush Mission and the Ayush Premium Policy.

Read also: India Launches JOSH Teams for TB Elimination

Expert Perspective

According to experts, the growth of the Ayush services sector is driven by increasing demand for alternative and traditional systems of medicine. The sector is also benefiting from the government’s efforts to promote Ayush services, including the establishment of Ayush hospitals and research centers.

However, experts also note that the sector faces several challenges, including a lack of standardization and regulation, and a shortage of skilled professionals. To address these challenges, the government and industry stakeholders need to work together to develop standards and guidelines for Ayush services, and to provide training and education for professionals in the sector.

Implications for Readers in India

The growth of the Ayush services sector has significant implications for readers in India, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and access to healthcare services. The sector is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the coming years, particularly in the areas of healthcare delivery, wellness, and education.

Additionally, the sector is expected to provide new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the areas of Ayush product development and medical value travel. Readers in India can take advantage of these opportunities by seeking out training and education in Ayush services, and by exploring new business ideas and ventures in the sector.

What to Watch Next

As the Ayush services sector continues to grow and evolve, there are several trends and developments that readers should watch out for. These include the increasing use of technology in Ayush services, such as telemedicine and digital health platforms, and the growing demand for Ayush services in areas such as wellness and preventive health.

Readers should also watch out for new initiatives and policies from the government, such as the development of new standards and guidelines for Ayush services, and the establishment of new research centers and institutions. By staying informed about these trends and developments, readers can take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that the Ayush services sector has to offer.