SMART 2.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched 'SMART 2.0' program.

SMART 2.0

• Aim: To promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country through mutual collaboration.
• Objective: To generate a tangible evidence to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods and translating it into public health care.
• SMART 1.0: Around 10 diseases were covered with the active participation of teaching professionals from 38 colleges.

SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) Program

• Objective: To enhance scientific research in priority healthcare areas by leveraging the resources of Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
• Focus Areas: These include Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
• Communication of Details through NCISM: All pertinent information, such as contact details, eligibility criteria, and the application process, has been disseminated to recognized academic institutions and hospitals through the National Council of Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM).
• Teacher Motivation: The 'SMART' program is set to encourage teachers to undertake projects in designated healthcare research areas. The initiative aims to build a substantial database and foster a culture of research in academic institutions.