WHO benchmarks for the training of Ayurveda

Book excerpt: The WHO benchmarks for the training of Ayurveda is an update of its previous version published in 2010. It defines the minimum requirement/criteria for establishing training of Ayurveda in WHO Member States. It provides the fundamental knowledge requirements for all those involved in practice and training of Ayurveda, including safety issues related to its clinical application and medicinal preparation. The document shall serve as a reference to national authorities to establish/strengthen regulatory standards to ensure qualified training and practice of Ayurveda. The document is aligned with the objectives of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-23. It reflects consensus arrived through established WHO processes from the community of practitioners in Ayurveda, health service providers, academics, health system managers, and regulators. The document provides information on types of training including training requirements for Ayurveda practitioners and associate Ayurveda service providers, presents the requirements on competency-based knowledge and skills for Ayurveda practitioners and associate Ayurveda providers, and provides content and structures for different training programmes. This update differs from the previous edition in its description of category of health work force, type of training offered and information integrating category of training with the levels of practice described in the WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Ayurveda.