The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Gangtok, has made remarkable strides under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, during the first 100 days of the current government. These achievements reflect RARI’s commitment to enhancing healthcare through Ayurveda and its contributions to the broader Ayush ecosystem. Geriatric Care Program: RARI surpassed its goal by treating 539 elderly individuals through its specialized OPD, providing consultations, therapies, and holistic lifestyle advice, significantly improving seniors’ quality of life. Outreach in Underserved Communities: Under the SCSP and THCRP programs, RARI conducted 116 outreach tours, treating 1,730 patients and surveying 458 households. The initiative identified lifestyle disorders through 1,944 lab investigations, focusing on preventive healthcare for marginalized communities. Academic Collaboration: RARI initiated a research project with SRC at the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment to develop agro-techniques for high-value medicinal plants, promoting sustainable cultivation practices beneficial to Sikkim’s farmers.
Research and Publications: The institute completed a Medico-Ethno Botanical survey in West Bengal and is currently managing ten research projects, while also publishing articles in reputed journals. Pharmacovigilance for Patient Safety: RARI actively monitors adverse reactions to Ayurvedic medicines, reporting eleven cases to ensure safe treatment outcomes. NABH Accreditation: Achieving NABH accreditation underscores RARI’s high standards in healthcare delivery. Social Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: The institute engaged in national campaigns like Swachhata Pakhwada and Rashtriya Poshan Maah, conducting health camps, lectures, and distributing millet-based cookies to promote health and nutrition. Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit: RARI’s SMPU conducted a comprehensive 30-day survey in Sikkim, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, documenting local medicinal plants and managing five ongoing projects with plans to upgrade to NABL standards.
9th Ayurveda Day Celebration: Scheduled for October 29, 2024, RARI will celebrate Ayurveda Day with seminars, webinars, and public lectures focused on “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health.” International Conference: RARI, in collaboration with IBSD and SFE-India, will host an international conference in November 2024 on “Bioeconomy from Bioresources,” highlighting traditional resources from the Northeast. Infrastructure and Initiatives: RARI is enhancing its laboratory facilities and expanding OPD services through three sub-centers, initiating new clinical studies, and strengthening its Pharmacovigilance center.