Prataprao Jadhav: Ayush Advances in Managing Diabetes and Liver Diseases with Evidence-Based Treatments

New Delhi: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated the Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 in Mumbai. Themed "Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel," the summit was organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of Maharashtra, and key partners.

In his address, Jadhav emphasized the global appeal of India's traditional health systems, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. He noted that these systems attract thousands of international tourists annually and contribute to India’s growing reputation as a leader in health tourism. He highlighted Ayush's integration into institutions like AIIMS and defense hospitals, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in positioning Ayush globally, especially during India's G-20 presidency.

Jadhav also proposed establishing a Ministry of Ayush in Maharashtra and an Ayush University during a conversation with Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Shri Eknath Shinde. He announced the upcoming inauguration of the first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center on October 9, aimed at integrating traditional practices into healthcare.

Secretary of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, noted the exponential growth in the Ayush sector, which expanded from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1 million in 2020, with projections for 2023 reaching $24 million. He attributed this growth to the increasing global demand for Ayush products and services, as detailed in a study conducted by RIES (Research in Information Systems).

Shri Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu), Ministry of Ayush, welcomed over 650 participants to the summit. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between state Ayush departments and state health and tourism departments to promote Ayurvedic wellness travel and key heritage sites. Nesari also highlighted the growing number of foreign travelers seeking Ayush treatments and called for unity among stakeholders, including tour operators, insurance providers, and hospitality leaders, to strengthen the sector.

Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Shri Devendra Triguna also spoke at the event, praising the global reach of Ayurveda and Ayush. His efforts have helped establish multiple institutes and extended the reach of Ayurveda to over 80 countries.

The summit featured discussions on government initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and insurance coverage for Ayush treatments. Presentations by wellness centers and hospitals showcased success stories in attracting international patients. The event also included an exhibition of Ayush manufacturers and service providers.

In rural India, awareness of Ayush systems ranges from 87% to 99%, with Ayurveda being the most widely used system. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) recently mandated that health insurance companies offer Ayush treatments at par with other treatments, with 49 companies now offering 69 packages.

With support from FICCI, Invest India, ITDC, Ayushexcil, and SEPC, the summit positioned India as a premier destination for holistic healthcare through Ayush systems, strengthening its standing in the global Medical Tourism Index.