Bheshajam
The department of AYUSH, Government of Kerala had instructed (No: A1/378/2020-AYUSH, dated 28-10-2020) the State Ayurveda COVID-19 Response Cell (SACRC) to submit detailed recommendations for incorporating the NCP-AY in the existing approved ayurvedic strategies for the management of COVID-19 in the state. Based on the recommendations submitted by the SACRC, the department of Ayush, Government of Kerala, had incorporated the NCP-AY into the approved Ayurvedic Strategies currently in existence in the state for the management of COVID-19.
The government had further extended the approved Ayurvedic strategies for the Prevention, Mitigation and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 in Kerala for the treatment of asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients (uncomplicated COVID-19 patients) in Kerala under home isolation or under care in designated first line or second line COVID-19 treatment centres in the state (G.O.(Rt) No.425/2020/AYUSH dated 18-11-2020).
On 30/11/2020, the State Ayurveda COVID-19 response Cell had named the project as Bheshajam and released a guideline for the smooth implementation of the ayurvedic strategies for the care of uncomplicated COVID-19 patients. The guideline comprises of roles and responsibilities at various levels, details of ayurvedic therapeutic strategies (ATS) that include pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions and case record forms for the valid data collection, recording and future evaluation.
The Bheshajam project has been effectively implemented across the state on 08/12/2020 with the active participation of the Department of Ayurveda Medical Education, Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and National Ayush Mission. The project has been implementing through the Ayur Raksha Clinics (ARCs) and Ayur Raksha Task Force (ARTF) across the state. The ATS has been executed by the Ayur Raksha Clinics (ARC) operated through the Ayur Raksha Task Force (ARTF) and monitored by the concerned medical officer. In the CFLTC/CSLTC the same has been implemented by the medical officer (ISM) in charge of the facility. Informed consent regarding the acceptance of ATS is being obtained through electronic means. The directions regarding the administration of the medicines, activities of daily living and dietary modifications are being delivered telephonically to the uncomplicated patients who have consented to undergo ATS.
The data has been collected using the pre- structured case record form (CRF) devised by the SACRC that is available in the Bheshajam guidelines. Daily monitoring regarding the intake of Ayurvedic Medicines (AM), health status of the individual and the development of symptoms/status of existing symptoms during the course, if any, were closely monitored and recorded at the ARCs through ARTF.