Ayurveda was in vogue in india since very early times. The ayurvedic and siddha systems have played a very important and vital part in the sphere of public health.their popularity is due to their availability , cheapness and efficacy.
Here is a beautiful ideal of charaka ;'not for self,not for fullfilment of any earthly desire of gain, but solely for the good of suffering humanity should you treat your patients and so excel all. Those who sell the treatment of disease as merchandise gather the dust and neglect the gold'.