The future of alternative medicine is bright. In a developing country like India, alternative therapeutic systems have a definite role to play in alleviating sickness - both chronic and acute. The cost-effectiveness, efficacy, low toxicity, ease of administration and relative safety (few adverse effects) renders them invaluable as viable alternatives to conventional medicine.
In fact, WHO has assessed the total world market for alternative medicine at a whopping Rs. 51,210 crore. The market for herbal remedies alone is pegged at $5 trillion with an annual growth of 11 per cent.
Home to over 15,000 medicinal plants and one of the 12 leading bio-diverse countries of the world, India is sitting on a veritable green mine. Awakening to this tremendous potential, the government has announced a separate national policy for the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy (ISM&H) to boost and promote indigenous medicine. Plans are also afoot to modernise the hospitals specialising in Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM).
However, the lack of formulation and standardisation is a major problem that plagues this fledgling industry. There are as many as 4,000 recorded Ayurvedic formulations, combining different herbs and metals. These need to be identified and analysed and put through a series of tests before they can be released in the market. Extensive R&D is under way in this field currently.
What it takes
Like other forms of medicine, the minimum qualification for most courses in traditional medicine is 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry & Biology). However, for Unani, Siddha and Tibetan medicine, arts and humanities students can also apply. Additionally, for pursuing a course in Ayurveda, you need to be well versed in Sanskrit/ Hindi, while for Unani, some knowledge of Arabic/ Urdu is a must. Similarly for studying the Siddha system, you need knowledge of Tamil.
What you'll make
Alternative systems of medicine are beginning to offer decent career opportunities - in research as well as in practise. But like any other profession, success depends on a multitude of factors and the job scenario when you graduate.
While private practice is a popular choice for those specialising in these systems, homeopathic and Ayurvedic practitioners, for instance, can also seek employment under the Central Government Health Scheme and in state government and municipal hospitals and dispensaries all over the country. Starting salaries are in the range of Rs 8,000 plus perks.
If you are hesitant to start off on your own, working with an established practitioner or clinic for a while would help you gain the necessary confidence.
Combining two or more of these complimentary systems can also add to your repertoire. But be prepared to face competition from other systems of medicine, particularly allopathic.
Drug and pharmaceutical companies and research institutions also hire consultants and research scientists to work in their respective fields. With several recognised institutions offering full-fledged courses of study, there is considerable opportunity in the teaching and academic sector as well.
S.C. Mishra is a well-known Career Counsellor. His areas of expertise include such things as counseling in Careers in Medicine, Careers in IT, Careers in Beauty Therapy and much more. A professional all-rounder, he has written a book on Jobs in India [http://www.timesjobs.com] and a Blog - on Job Site.
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