Mumbai: Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated the Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 today, themed “Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel.” The event, organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Maharashtra, seeks to position India as a global hub for holistic healthcare through the integration of traditional Indian medical systems with modern healthcare.
In his address, Jadhav highlighted India’s growing appeal as a destination for medical value travel, emphasizing the role of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) in drawing international health tourists. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Ayush has gained global recognition, becoming an integral part of India’s healthcare system. This summit not only celebrates our rich traditions but also creates bridges to make Ayush services more accessible globally,” Jadhav said.
The Minister also underscored ongoing efforts to make Ayush treatments accessible to all, particularly in tackling diseases such as diabetes and liver conditions. He urged the establishment of affordable Ayush centers at the block and tehsil levels and called for the integration of Ayush into state-level healthcare systems. Jadhav proposed the creation of a Ministry of Ayush in Maharashtra and announced the launch of the first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center on October 9, 2024, which will provide traditional treatments at low costs.
A key highlight of the summit was the announcement of the ‘Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan – Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved’ campaign, which aims to reach one crore households on the occasion of Ayurveda Day.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the sector’s significant growth, stating that the size of the Ayush industry has expanded from $3 million in 2014 to $24 million in 2023. He attributed this growth to increasing global interest in India’s traditional medicine systems and noted ongoing efforts to expand the sector’s reach internationally.
The summit also included an interactive session with foreign missions in India, exploring government initiatives to promote medical value travel. Discussions covered regulatory frameworks, insurance coverage, and international patient services. Panel discussions featuring top leaders from the Ayush sector addressed challenges and opportunities in expanding Ayush-based wellness services globally.
Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of the All India Ayurvedic Congress, praised India’s advancements in promoting Ayurveda and called for continued efforts to expand the reach of traditional medicine. Triguna’s work has helped spread Ayurveda to over 80 countries worldwide.
With participation from over 650 stakeholders, including government officials, wellness centers, medical travel facilitators, and insurance companies, the summit provided a platform to discuss the future of Ayush-based healthcare. It featured insights on regulatory provisions, opportunities in international markets, and successful case studies, further positioning India as a leader in medical value travel.