DRAVYA Portal: Revolutionary Digital Platform to Catalogue 100 Ayush Substances in First Phase

The Government of India has achieved a significant milestone in digitizing traditional medicine with the launch of the DRAVYA portal during the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations in Goa on September 23, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) represents more than just a digital archive – it embodies India's rich knowledge tradition in contemporary technological form.

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Historic Launch and Leadership Vision

The portal was unveiled in the distinguished presence of Governor of Goa Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries. Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that:

"DRAVYA is more than a digital archive — it is the living embodiment of India's knowledge tradition in a contemporary form".

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted that DRAVYA exemplifies the government's vision of bringing Ayush knowledge into the digital era with scientific rigor and global accessibility. Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, noted that the platform will serve as a cornerstone for researchers, practitioners, and students.

Comprehensive Features and Capabilities

Core Functionality

DRAVYA (Digitised Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of Ayush) serves as a comprehensive, open-access database that dynamically consolidates data from classical Ayurvedic texts and standard online research platforms. The portal features an intuitive user interface enabling users to search for medicinal substances used across Ayush systems.

Key Technical Features

  • AI-Ready Platform: Built with artificial intelligence integration capabilities for future enhancements.
  • QR Code Integration: Enables standardized information display in medicinal plant gardens and drug repositories nationwide.
  • Multi-System Coverage: Spans Ayurvedic pharmacotherapeutics, botany, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, and safety information.
  • Continuous Updates: Data updated through dedicated entry software ensuring precision and authenticity.
  • Modular Design: Capacity for expansion and integration with other systems.

Integration with National Digital Health Infrastructure

One of the most significant aspects of DRAVYA is its planned integration with the Ayush Grid and other Ministry initiatives focused on medicinal substances and drug policy. The Ayush Grid platform envisages digitization of service delivery across six functional areas: Health Services, Education, Research, Drug Regulation, Quality Control, and Information Technology.

Ayush Grid Integration Benefits

  • Enhanced interoperability between various Ayush applications.
  • Standardized data exchange across the healthcare ecosystem.
  • Improved accessibility for healthcare professionals and researchers.
  • Strengthened regulatory oversight and policy formulation.

Benefits for Government Employees and Healthcare Professionals

For Healthcare Professionals

  • Access to authenticated information on 100 key medicinal substances in the first phase.
  • Evidence-based protocols for integrative healthcare approaches.
  • Standardized terminologies and classifications.
  • Safety and efficacy data for informed decision-making.

For Researchers and Academics

  • Comprehensive research database combining classical and modern literature.
  • Cross-disciplinary research opportunities.
  • Validation support for traditional medicine practices.
  • Global collaboration platform for Ayush research.

For Policy Makers

  • Data-driven insights for drug policy formulation.
  • Regulatory compliance support through standardized information.
  • Evidence base for traditional medicine integration.
  • Support for national and international standardization efforts.

Technological Innovation and Global Significance

DRAVYA's launch represents a transformative step toward unifying the vast corpus of traditional medicine with modern scientific understanding. The platform's AI-ready architecture ensures adaptation to future technological developments and integration with emerging digital health solutions.

Future Expansion Plans

  • Gradual inclusion of additional medicinal substances beyond the initial 100.
  • Enhanced AI capabilities for predictive analytics.
  • Integration with international traditional medicine databases.
  • Mobile applications for field researchers and practitioners.

Connection to Broader Digital Health Initiatives

The DRAVYA portal complements other significant digital health initiatives launched during the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations, including the "Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan" campaign and the APTA portal for documenting contributions of eminent Ayurveda practitioners. These initiatives collectively strengthen India's position as a global leader in traditional medicine digitization.

Impact on Traditional Medicine Research

The portal addresses critical research needs by providing a standardized knowledge base that facilitates research, product development, and regulation based on scientific validation and traditional knowledge synergy. It supports integrative healthcare by providing structured clinical pathways, such as combining Ayurvedic treatment with conventional medical protocols.

DRAVYA represents a milestone in making authentic Ayush knowledge accessible, searchable, and globally relevant. For central government employees, particularly those in healthcare and research sectors, this platform offers unprecedented access to validated, comprehensive information on Ayush medicinal substances, supporting India's vision of becoming a global hub for traditional medicine research and innovation.