RIS Report on Ayush Services Sector and Women’s Employment

Why in News?

  • The Ministry of Ayush released a study by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations in Nagpur on 23rd September 2026.
  • The report highlights the rapid growth of India’s Ayush services sector, its employment generation potential and women’s workforce participation.

Key Findings

Economic Size and Growth

  • The Ayush services sector was valued at US$36.92 billion in FY 2024–25.
  • It registered a 16.91% CAGR since FY 2022–23.
  • Ayurveda remains the largest individual Ayush system, generating US$17.73 billion or around 48% of total Ayush services revenue.
  • Standalone clinics are the largest revenue-generating segment at US$16.21 billion (43.9% of sector revenue), followed by day-care centres at US$10.13 billion. Together, they contribute more than 70% of sector revenue.
  • The wellness segment recorded a 21.29% CAGR, while Yoga centres registered around 75% revenue growth over two years.
  • Medical Value Travel generated an estimated US$1.77 billion in FY 2024–25. International patients account for around 5% of patient volumes but contribute 15–25% of hospital-segment revenue.

Employment and Women’s Participation

  • The sector directly supports an estimated 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services.
  • More than one million livelihoods are concentrated in local and standalone clinics.
  • Women constitute 43% of the overall Ayush services workforce.
  • Female representation exceeds 50% in several organised segments:
  • Spas and wellness resorts: over 60%
  • Educational institutes: 58%
  • Day-care centres: 57%
  • Hospitals: 53%

Future Growth Potential

  • The Ayush services economy is projected to reach US$216–318 billion by 2047.
  • Growth opportunities exist in healthcare, wellness, education, medical travel, research and digital health.
  • The sector can support women’s economic empowerment, inclusive growth and the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

About the Ayush Services Sector

  • The Ayush services sector covers services associated with Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy.
  • The RIS report is based on a survey of 15,914 establishments across six Ayush systems.

Significance for India

  • Employment generation: Provides direct and allied livelihoods, especially in local clinics.
  • Women’s workforce participation: High female representation in organised wellness, education and healthcare segments.
  • Preventive healthcare and wellness: Rising demand for Yoga, wellness and naturopathy services.
  • Medical Value Travel: Enhances India’s global healthcare attractiveness and foreign exchange earnings.
  • Inclusive growth: Supports grassroots entrepreneurship, skill development and rural health services.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen quality standards and accreditation across Ayush services.
  • Expand digital infrastructure and tele-Ayush services.
  • Promote skill development and formal certification for Ayush practitioners and wellness workers.
  • Improve global market access for Ayush products and services.
  • Integrate Ayush into mainstream healthcare delivery and preventive health programmes.

Conclusion

  • The rapid growth of the Ayush services sector highlights its potential to drive employment generation, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth. Strengthening quality standards, digital infrastructure, skill development and global market access can enhance its contribution to India’s healthcare economy and the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Mains Practice Question

  • The Ayush services sector has emerged as an important source of employment generation and women’s economic empowerment in India. Discuss.

Previous Year Question

  • How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)