Insurance companies, ignoring Ayurvedic treatment, are anti-social : Dr. Uday Dhuri

Western countries are now trying to take patents of Ayurvedic medicines realizing the importance of Ayurveda. Even then, such treatment is not considered for reimbursement by insurance companies and hundreds of patients are deprived of the facility. In fact, insurance can be taken even for Ayurvedic medicine like allopathic medicines under medi-claim and premium is also taken for the same. At the time of reimbursement, however, it has been noticed that insurance companies shirked from their responsibility. Conditions stipulated for Ayurvedic treatment are not applicable for allopathic medicines; so, insurance companies are not recognizing ancient and perfect Ayurvedic treatment and are  anti-social, thus depriving patients from this medication. From 1st July, GST is going to be implemented in India. It has been decided to levy 5 % tax on essential drugs under allopathy but 12 % tax will be recovered on all Ayurvedic medicines. On one hand, ‘Ayush Ministry’ is propagating Ayurveda and Finance Ministry is increasing cost of Ayurvedic medicines, which is double standard of the Government.