CM unveils ayurveda research institute in Kannur

Kozhikode: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA) at Kalliad, Kannur on Wednesday, which he said was the country's first comprehensive ayurveda research centre.Speaking at the function, CM said govt decided to establish a dedicated institute to give special recognition to traditional medicine practitioners (nattu vaidyans) and traditional medicine. Vijayan stressed the need to utilise the knowledge of experienced traditional medicine practitioners and added that many highly skilled traditional medicine practitioners exist in Kerala, and their contributions can greatly strengthen young researchers. "While quacks may exist in every field; one should not assume that people are generally fraudulent," he said. Kerala has many knowledgeable ayurveda practitioners who must be recognised, he added. "They must be treated with respect as fellow medical professionals. To nurture good researchers, proper facilities are essential. At the same time, practitioners must be able to identify medicinal plants and understand the composition of medicines used in ayurveda. Today, many ayurveda graduates only know how to prescribe prepared medicines without identifying the plants used in them. The ability to recognise medicinal plants is essential for their conservation," he said. Health minister Veena George presided over the function. She said the institute would be one of Kerala's greatest contributions to healthcare, with global researchers expected to explore possibilities for evidence-based ayurveda research here. She added that the Malabar Cancer Centre has expressed interest in collaborative cancer research and that a Japanese university has shown willingness to cooperate.