Institutions practising traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda must work in coordination with modern medicine to strengthen India’s healthcare vision, Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said on Sunday.
The minister was addressing the Padmabhushan Dr P.K. Warrier Memorial Ayurveda Seminar, organised at the India International Centre in New Delhi. In a virtual message, Jadhav said the Ministry of Ayush is committed to ensuring that traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, play a meaningful role alongside modern medicine in realising the vision of a “Swasth Bharat” (Healthy India).
“The Ministry of Ayush is continuously striving to ensure that all traditional systems of medicine work together with modern medicine to contribute significantly to the nation’s healthcare system,” he said.
The seminar was organised by Kerala-based Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala and marked the first time in its 62-year history that the event was held outside Kerala. Established over 125 years ago, Arya Vaidya Sala is a renowned healthcare institution providing Ayurvedic treatment, education, and research.
Jadhav described the institution’s contribution to India’s healthcare sector as “extremely inspiring,” noting that it has successfully preserved ancient Ayurvedic knowledge while integrating it with modern scientific approaches. “Its efforts have enhanced the global prestige of India’s traditional medicine system and ensured accessible, safe, and effective Ayurvedic healthcare for the public,” he said.
Dr P.M. Varier, Managing Trustee and Chief Physician of Arya Vaidya Sala, said hosting the seminar in Delhi was symbolic. “This is the first time in 62 years we have brought our Ayurveda seminar outside Kerala to send a message of unity between the north and south. Ayurveda is one, and we must work together for its growth, glory, and globalisation,” he said.
Arya Vaidya Sala CEO K. Harikumar said the institution’s charitable hospital has treated over 20 million patients in the past decade, offering free treatment, meals, accommodation, and medicines. “We treat more than 18 lakh patients every year through Ayurveda across India,” he added.
Ayush Ministry advisor Dr Kousthubha Upadhyaya said India is actively promoting Ayurveda on the global stage. “More than 25 countries have already recognised Ayurveda. Recently, at the second WHO Global Summit, nearly 100 countries participated and agreed to promote traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda and Yoga,” he said.
