Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav affirmed that traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, are essential for strengthening India’s national healthcare vision. Minister Jadhav made these remarks at the Padmabhushan Dr. PK Warrier Memorial Ayurveda Seminar. The event was held at the India International Centre in Delhi.
The Ministry of Ayush is actively working to integrate all traditional systems of medicine with modern medical practices. This continuous effort aims to play a significant role in achieving a ‘Swasth Bharat,’ meaning a healthy India. Minister Jadhav conveyed this objective through a virtual message delivered during the seminar.
Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Hosts Landmark Seminar
The Kerala-based Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala organized the seminar. This specific event marked a historical first; it was held outside Kerala for the first time in its 62-year history. Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala operates as a prominent healthcare center. It offers services within traditional systems, including research and educational programs, for over 125 years.
Minister Jadhav commended Arya Vaidya Sala’s contribution to improving India’s healthcare system. He described their work as “extremely inspiring.” The institution has a long-standing commitment to preserving ancient Ayurvedic knowledge. Simultaneously, it integrates this wisdom with modern scientific approaches. This dual effort significantly enhances the global standing of India’s traditional medicine system.
Promoting Accessible Ayurvedic Healthcare
The Minister specifically lauded Arya Vaidya Sala’s dedication to public health. He acknowledged their commendable efforts in delivering accessible, safe, and effective Ayurvedic healthcare services to the public. These services align with the national goal of wider healthcare access.
Dr. PM Varier, Managing Trustee and Chief Physician of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, spoke about the seminar’s location choice. He stated, “This is the first time in 62 years we have brought our Ayurveda Seminar out of Kerala to Delhi, the capital of India.” He explained the strategic move aimed “to send a message of unity among the Ayurvedic fraternity of north and south.”
Dr. Varier emphasized the fundamental unity of Ayurveda across regional boundaries. “North or south, Ayurveda is one,” he declared. He called for collective action among practitioners. The goal is to collaborate for “the growth, glory, and globalization of Ayurveda,” ensuring its traditional roots, combined with scientific validation, reach every individual.
Extensive Patient Outreach and Global Recognition
K Harikumar, CEO of Arya Vaidya Sala, provided data on the institution’s impact. Their charitable hospital has provided free treatment, meals, accommodation, and medicines to over 20 million patients in the last decade alone. Annually, the institution treats more than 1.8 million patients through Ayurvedic practices across various locations in India.
Ayush Ministry Advisor Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyaya highlighted initiatives for international promotion. Export promotion councils have been established. These councils work to actively promote Ayurvedic products and services globally, aiming to expand their international market presence and acceptance.
Dr. Upadhyaya also reported on the growing international recognition of Ayurveda. Currently, more than 25 countries formally recognize Ayurveda as a system of medicine. Furthermore, at the second WHO Global Summit, held just three days prior, almost 100 countries participated. These participating nations agreed to actively promote traditional medicine, with a particular focus on Ayurveda and Yoga, underscoring a worldwide embrace of these ancient practices.