The AYUSH ministry has announced that it will distribute two ayurvedic medicines to out of hospital COVID-19 patients. The distribution will be done through Seva Bharathi, an umbrella of community service organisations allied to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “In a concerted response to the second surge of COVID-19 infection in the country, Ministry of AYUSH is launching a massive nationwide campaign today to distribute its proven poly herbal Ayurvedic drugs AYUSH 64 and Siddha drug Kabasura Kudineer for the benefit of the vast majority of out of hospital COVID-19 patients. The efficacy of these drugs has been proved through robust multi-centre clinical trials,” the ministry said in a statement.

The initiative will be launched by Minister of State (independent charge for Youth Affairs and Sports) and Minister for AYUSH Kiren Rijiju. Speaking about the distribution of the drugs by Seva Bharathi, the ministry said, “A comprehensive strategy of distribution has been chalked out and the rollout will unfold in a phased manner, utilising the wide network of various institutions working under the aegis of the ministry and this will be supported by the countrywide network of Seva Bharathi.”

AYUSH-64, which was first developed to manage malaria, was repurposed for COVID-19 “as the ingredients showed notable antiviral, immune-modulator and antipyretic properties.” Reportedly, an in-silico study done on the drug showed that 35 of its 36 phyto-constituents “have high binding affinity against COVID-19 virus” and the drug has reportedly shown promising results against Influenza like Illness (ILI). After six clinical studies done across India, this drug has been identified as a “potential adjunct to standard care in the management of asymptomatic, mild and moderate COVID-19 to improve the clinical recovery and quality of life.”

source:https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ayush-ministry-use-rss-allied-orgs-distribution-ayurvedic-covid-19-meds-149415