Revisiting Healthcare Pluralism: A Comparative Study of Ayurveda and Other Medical Systems in India

India’s healthcare system stands at a crossroads of tradition and modernity, where centuries-old healing systems coexist with contemporary biomedical approaches. This paper explores the comparative effectiveness, acceptance, and perception of Ayurveda against Allopathy and other alternative medical systems such as Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha. Based on mixed-method research involving 45 structured responses and supporting literature from WHO, AYUSH, and academic journals, the study highlights the increasing public inclination toward Ayurveda for chronic, preventive, and lifestyle-related disorders, while reaffirming Allopathy’s dominance in acute and emergency care. Findings support the need for integrative healthcare policies, greater research funding, and improved public awareness to realize the potential of India’s traditional medical systems.