India Takes Stride Towards Integrated Healthcare: Ayush and Health Ministries Unite for Holistic Wellness

New Delhi:  Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, declared the era of Integrated Medicine at a joint mega event organized by the Ministry of Ayush and the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that Traditional Healthcare is set to become the new fashion trend of the future. He applauded the Ministry of Ayush for its commendable journey over the last decade, stressing the integrated nature of Ayush and the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

During the event, Dr. Mandaviya revealed plans to establish the Ayush – ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) at select AIIMS locations nationwide. Additionally, he announced a multicenter clinical trial on Anaemia, highlighting the commitment to address prevalent health issues through collaborative research.

The inaugural session saw the launch of the “Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush Healthcare Facilities,” a significant step toward ensuring quality-oriented healthcare delivery in Ayush. The event also featured the 27th Convocation & 29th National Seminar of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, themed ‘Ayurvedo Amritanam.’

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of Collaborative Research in Ayush, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research. He stated that strategic collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aims to propel Integrative Health Research, uniting traditional Ayush practices with modern medical science and positioning India at the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations.

“Ayurveda is a part of our culture, heritage, and tradition. This strategic collaboration aims to advance Integrative Health Research, integrate traditional Ayush practices with modern medical science and take India to the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations,” Dr. Mandaviya affirmed during his speech.

The Union Health Minister highlighted the government’s integrative approach, combining the best practices from both Ayurveda and Allopathy to provide quality-oriented healthcare. The introduction of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for Ayush Healthcare facilities, as a set of uniform standards, aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery across states and union territories.

Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, lauded the Ministry’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to holistic healthcare since its inception in 2014. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, significant strides have been made in integrating evidence-based Ayush systems into public healthcare, driving research, and fostering innovation.

The event also marked the launch of booklets on Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush Hospitals and Ayushman Arogya Mandir, symbolizing the Ministry’s dedication to holistic healthcare and its vision for a healthier, vibrant India. Dignitaries, including Secretary Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and Dr. Atul Goel, Director General, DGHS, graced the occasion.

The mega event witnessed the honoring of eminent individuals, including Vaidya Gurdip Singh, Jamnagar (Gujarat), Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varrier, Kottakkal (Kerala), and Vaidya Vishnu Dutt Srikishan Sharma, Ajmer (Rajasthan), with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions. Additionally, 13 Ayurveda scholars were conferred the title of ‘Fellow’ of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (FRAV), recognizing their exemplary contributions to the field.

India’s move towards integrated healthcare reflects a commitment to combining traditional wisdom with modern science, fostering a synergistic approach for the nation’s well-being.