On Monday, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launched "SMART," a scope for mainstreaming ayurvedic research in the Teaching Professionals program. The Ministry of Ayush released a statement saying that the program aims to boost scientific research in healthcare research areas, especially through ayurvedic colleges and hospitals.

Commemorating the occasion, Dr. Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, NCISM chairman, and CCRAS director general, Dr. Rabinarayan Acharya, stated that the program has the potential to transform clinical research in Ayurveda. Dr. Vaidya stated that the potential of research in the Ayurvedic community has remained underutilized. Therefore, this program will help in rejuvenating the research program in the field of Ayurveda.

Meanwhile, Dr. Acharya highlighted several salient features of the program. He added that the program was designed and conceptualized to identify, support, and promote innovative research ideas in healthcare research areas. These healthcare areas include osteoarthritis, iron deficiency anemia, chronic bronchitis, dyslipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, generalized anxiety disorder, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

(Source: https://www.livemint.com/science/health/centre-launches-smart-program-to-boost-scientific-research-through-ayurveda-colleges-hospitals-11672670036249.html )