Designing and Implementing a Comprehensive, Efficient, and Equitable Emergency Response Training Program for Traditional Medicine Practitioners in India: A Qualitative Study on Feasibility, Needs, Challenges, and Stakeholder Perceptions

This study explores the feasibility and impact of training traditional medicine (AYUSH) practitioners in Emergency Care and Life Support (ECLS) to strengthen India’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with emergency medicine specialists, AYUSH practitioners, policymakers, and academics. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the need for emergency response capacity at the grassroots level and acknowledged the presence of relevant skills and experience within the AYUSH system. A pilot training program showed marked improvement in participants’ confidence and knowledge; confidence scores rose from 2.1 to 4.8 and knowledge scores improved from 53.7% to 84.2%, demonstrating that structured, scenario-based ECLS training is both effective and well-received among traditional practitioners, as narrated by one of the participants. These findings are further supported by thematic analysis, which generated 197 unique codes organized into seven overarching themes, such as enhancing skills and competency, institutional frameworks, and ethical considerations. Participants highlighted that hands-on training, community-based mass preparedness, and a clearly defined legal framework are essential for effective emergency response. Insights from AYUSH professionals and emergency specialists also emphasized the moral and public health imperative of empowering TMPs as frontline responders, especially in low-resource settings. The findings suggest that with appropriate support, AYUSH practitioners can play a critical role in community-level emergency response. However, challenges such as regulatory ambiguity, lack of formal documentation, and the need for legitimate certification must be addressed for successful integration. The study supports the development of standardized, scalable training modules endorsed by academic institutions and regulatory bodies and calls for collaborative efforts between the Ministries of AYUSH and Health. These insights can guide policy development, curriculum design, and implementation strategies to improve emergency preparedness and equitable healthcare access in India and other low-resource settings.