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On Ayurveda Day, PM Modi Launches Rs12,850 Crore Health Projects, Advocating Ayurveda for Global Wellness

As India marks the ninth celebration of Ayurveda Day on October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, expressing confidence in Ayurveda’s potential to enhance global health. This year’s theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” emphasizes the importance of Ayurveda in addressing modern health challenges.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Oct 29, 2024

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As India marks the ninth celebration of Ayurveda Day on October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, expressing confidence in Ayurveda’s potential to enhance global health.

The day, which coincides with the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti, aims to raise awareness about the principles and practices of this ancient medical system. This year’s theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” emphasizes the importance of Ayurveda in addressing modern health challenges.

Since its inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day has gained significant international attention, with participation expected from over 150 countries this year. PM Modi highlighted the global acknowledgment of Ayurveda’s contributions to health and wellness, asserting, “I am confident that this ancient system of medicine will continue to be useful for the healthy life of the entire humanity.”

The Ministry of Ayush outlined ambitious objectives for this year’s theme, focusing on combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), addressing challenges posed by climate change, and promoting holistic wellness. Key areas of focus include women’s health, workplace wellness, school wellness programs, and innovations in food.

In a major commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure, PM Modi inaugurated transformative projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore, further embedding Ayurveda in India’s health landscape. Among these initiatives is the expansion of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, which now features a new Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, and a sports medicine unit, positioning AIIA as a premier institution for Ayurvedic research and education.

The Prime Minister also announced the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income levels. This move aims to ensure that the elderly population has access to affordable healthcare, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in health coverage.

Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated several new medical colleges in underserved regions, specifically in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, expanding educational opportunities in healthcare. New facilities at All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across multiple states were unveiled, enhancing healthcare delivery and establishing new Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medications.

In a pioneering move to enhance healthcare access in remote areas, the Prime Minister launched drone-based healthcare services in collaboration with 11 premier institutions, ensuring timely delivery of medical resources. Moreover, helicopter emergency medical services will be introduced at AIIMS Rishikesh to improve response times for critical cases.

For maternal and child health, the Prime Minister unveiled the U-WIN portal, a digital vaccination management system aimed at streamlining immunizations for pregnant women and children. This initiative is designed to ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines against 12 preventable diseases, enhancing the healthcare framework for vulnerable populations.

The Prime Minister’s initiatives also included the launch of a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar, aimed at strengthening the research and development infrastructure within the healthcare ecosystem. This facility will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic and other medicinal products.

The celebrations will witness significant participation from startups and industry, positioning Ayurveda at the heart of global health innovation. As PM Modi noted, the potential for Ayurveda to contribute to global health innovations is significant, with initiatives like the “I Support Ayurveda” campaign aiming to rally over 250 million votes in support of its integration into modern healthcare systems.

Ayurveda, often described as the “science of life,” has roots that extend back to the Vedas, ancient Indian texts believed to be composed between 5000 and 1000 BCE. It is characterized by its emphasis on balance, prevention, and holistic wellness, utilizing a range of natural remedies derived from herbs, plants, and minerals. The foundational texts, such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, established Ayurveda as a structured discipline, encompassing various medical specialties and treatment methodologies. The rich history of Ayurveda is intertwined with India’s educational evolution. By the early 20th century, formal institutions for Ayurvedic education had begun to emerge, setting the stage for its modern resurgence.

Today, Ayurveda is supported by a robust educational framework, with numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs, facilitating a new generation of practitioners. In recent years, the integration of Ayurveda into higher education has gained momentum. Initiatives like the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) program at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) aim to blend traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific inquiry.

Starting January 2025, IIT-Delhi will offer courses on subjects such as Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, reflecting a national commitment to preserving and promoting India’s ancient wisdom. With Ayurveda gaining recognition in 24 countries and its products being exported to over 100 nations, the global health community is beginning to embrace its principles.

As PM Modi noted, the potential for Ayurveda to contribute to global health innovations is significant, with initiatives aimed at promoting research and development making strides in integrating Ayurveda into modern healthcare. This year’s Ayurveda Day celebrations will highlight the participation of startups and industries, further positioning Ayurveda at the heart of global health innovation.

The Ministry of Ayush is committed to leveraging advancements in technology and research to elevate Ayurveda’s profile in the global health arena. As the world increasingly seeks holistic and preventive approaches to healthcare, Ayurveda stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping future health paradigms.

On this auspicious day, the recognition of Ayurveda’s enduring legacy and its innovative potential serves as a reminder of the profound impact that ancient wisdom can have on modern health challenges.