Women account for 43% of Ayush services workforce, says Centre’s report
A new government report reveals that women make up 43% of India's Ayush services workforce, with higher representation in wellness and educational segments. The sector, which includes Ayurveda and Yoga, has grown significantly to reach a valuation of nearly $37 billion.
Why it matters
The data highlights the economic impact of traditional medicine systems and their role in gender-inclusive employment across India.
Women account for 43% of the workforce in India’s Ayush services sector, with their representation crossing 50% in several organised segments, including hospitals, day-care centres, educational institutions and wellness establishments, according to a new assessment of the sector released by the Central government on Thursday (October 8, 2026).
The Ayush Services Sector Report, prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and released on Ayurveda Day 2026, estimates that the sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education and allied services.
Women’s representation is highest in spas and wellness resorts, where it exceeds 60%, followed by educational institutions at 58%, day-care centres at 57% and hospitals at 53%, says the report.
The findings come as the Ayush services economy expands beyond traditional clinical practice into wellness, education, preventive health and medical value travel.
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