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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

MIXOPATHY AROUND COVID-19: BIOMEDICAL HEGEMONY AND OTHERING OF INDIGENOUS SYSTEMS

presenters

    Sunita Reddy

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Delhi

    Jawaharlal Nehru University

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

While the whole world was trying to mitigate, overcome and yet succumbing to new virus COVID-19, the countries like India encompassing with its limited resources, was able to scuttle through the tough times of the pandemic. In this dire situation of an overly stressed health care system with the biomedical facilities stretched and expensive, in a health-emergency situation, people preferred to adopt a much more affordable, easily available, ‘alternate’ systems, ‘herbal decoctions/drinks’ ‘ayurveda’, indigenous medicine apart from taking modern medicine also. The biomedical fraternity, the Medical Council of India (MCI) the Indian Medical Association (IMA), etc., were vehemently opposing this practice, a series of discussions, debates, workshops were held opposing all the traditional therapies people. In the wake of advent of such a new medical practice termed as Mixopathy, during COVID- 19. It challenged the existing dominant biomedical paradigm, by advocating for a holistic integration of traditional and modern medical approaches. It emphasizes the inherent advantages of indigenous healing systems, including fewer side effects, lower costs, and greater accessibility. Despite these advantages, the commercial interests and entrenched positions of biomedical practitioners often hinder the acceptance and promotion of Mixopathy as a viable alternative. In the backdrop of this, the paper delves into the biomedical hegemony of modern medicine and opposition towards indigenous healing systems. This paper critically examines the ethical implications of such opposition, questioning the prioritization of commercial gains over human well-being. As communities navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the resurgence of interest in Mixopathy signals a broader societal shift towards reclaiming indigenous knowledge and healing practices. Ultimately, the integration of Mixopathy holds promise not only in enhancing therapeutic outcomes but also in promoting cultural diversity, social justice, and holistic well-being.

Keywords:

COVID-19, India, Mixopathy, Biomedical Hegemony, Indigenous Systems