The ministry claims traditional medicines help in speedy recovery from COVID-19 and its prevention even as scientists question the clinical trials’ methodology.
In May 2020, India initiated a “historic project” to combat COVID-19. Dr Harsh Vardhan, then union health minister, announced, “The Ayush and health ministry has started clinical trials of Ayush medicines. We’re trying to explore their potential as a prophylactic (disease prevention) and in treatment of COVID-19.”
The result of the trials was predetermined. “Through this, we will prove the supremacy and superiority of ayurveda [in battling COVID-19] through modern scientific means.” This project, he added, had the “blessings” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ayush ministry has since conducted 139 trials across 159 centres in India. These include …
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