Central Ayurveda Research Institute
Why in News?
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), functioning under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), is recently primarily due to its rapid infrastructural expansion and significant new research collaborations aimed at global healthcare integration.
Institutional Overview
- Governance: Operates under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
- Peripheral Network: Multiple institutes are located across India, including major centers in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jhansi, Patiala, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
- Mandate: To conduct high-quality clinical and pharmaceutical research and provide affordable Ayurvedic healthcare to the general public.
Core Functions & Research
- Clinical Research: Specialized trials on metabolic disorders (Diabetes, Obesity), Geriatrics, and lifestyle-related diseases.
- Diagnostics & Safety: Many CARI centers hold NABH (Hospital) and NABL (Lab) accreditations, ensuring world-class patient safety and testing standards.
- Traditional Therapies: Known for providing advanced Panchakarma, Kshara Sutra (medicated thread therapy for fistula), and Jalukavacharana (leech therapy).
- Drug Standardization: Focused on authenticating medicinal plants and standardizing Ayurvedic formulations for global acceptance.
Notable Regional Centers
- CARI Jhansi: Features the National Raw Drug Repository and a massive herbarium with over 26,000 plant specimens.
- CARI Guwahati: Houses the Northeast's first dedicated Panchakarma Block and focuses on gastrointestinal disorders.
- CARI Bengaluru: A pioneer in Microbiome Research and metabolic health.
- CARI New Delhi: Spearheads community outreach programs like Geriatric Care and health camps for underserved populations.
Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru
Major Achievement – International Accreditation
- The clinical laboratory of CARI Bengaluru has been awarded ISO 15189:2022 accreditation in Biochemistry & Haematology.
- It has become the first institute under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve this global standard.
Significance of the Accreditation
- Ensures accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic services aligned with international standards.
- Marks transformation from a basic NABL-certified lab to a centre of excellence in diagnostics.
- Strengthens evidence-based Ayurveda and integration with modern medical diagnostics.
Key Highlights
- Around 50 NABL-accredited test parameters available.
- Conducted 1.5+ lakh lab tests (2025–26) serving over 9,000 patients.
- Rapid growth in OPD footfall and diagnostic capacity in recent years.
Broader Importance
- Boosts credibility of AYUSH systems globally.
- Promotes integration of traditional Ayurveda with modern scientific diagnostics.
- Reflects government push toward quality healthcare infrastructure under Ministry of AYUSH.
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