Women Account for 43% of the AYUSH Workforce as the Sector Expands

Women account for 43% of the workforce in India’s AYUSH services sector, with their representation exceeding half of the workforce in several organised segments, including hospitals, educational institutions, day-care centres and wellness establishments. The findings were released by the Ministry of Ayush, drawing on a recent assessment of the sector.

The AYUSH services economy covers Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy. According to the assessment, the sector was valued at approximately US$36.92 billion in the 2024–25 financial year. It recorded a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% between FY2022–23 and FY2024–25 and supported an estimated 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, education, wellness and related services.

Women’s participation was particularly prominent in organised establishments. They accounted for more than 60% of the workforce in spas and wellness resorts, 58% in educational institutions, 57% in day-care centres and 53% in hospitals. These figures indicate that women are contributing across several areas of traditional medicine and wellness, extending beyond direct clinical services.

The assessment also highlighted the economic contribution of different service categories. Standalone clinics were the largest revenue-generating segment, bringing in an estimated US$16.21 billion, equivalent to 43.9% of total AYUSH services revenue. Day-care centres contributed a further US$10.13 billion. Ayurveda remained the largest individual system, accounting for approximately US$17.73 billion, or around 48% of the sector’s total revenue.

The wellness segment recorded annualised growth of 21.29%, while yoga centres experienced approximately 75% revenue growth over two years. The report also identified medical value travel as an emerging contributor, generating an estimated US$1.77 billion in FY2024–25.

The findings underline the sector’s expanding economic footprint and its potential to support employment, entrepreneurship and greater participation by women.

08-10-2026