Today, Minister of State Shri Shripad Yesso Naik outlined the significant strides made in the Ayush sector, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts in integrating traditional Indian medicine into mainstream healthcare.
Key Highlights
Expanding Ayush Infrastructure
- Registered Ayush Practitioners: More than 755,780
- Education: 886 undergraduate and 251 postgraduate colleges with an annual intake of 59,643 UG students and 7,450 PG students.
- Healthcare: 3,844 Ayush hospitals and 36,848 dispensaries (3,403 hospitals and 27,118 dispensaries under the government sector).
- National Institutes: Three State-of-the-Art Satellite centers of National Institutes of Ayush viz., All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Ghaziabad, National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Delhi were inaugurated on 11th December 2022 by Hon’ble PM. adding 400 seats across UG, PG, and doctoral courses, along with 550 beds.
Research and Innovation
- Over 43,000 studies are hosted on the Ayush Research Portal, emphasising evidence-based healthcare.
- Milestones include AYUSH-64 and Kabasur Kudineer for COVID-19 management and collaborations with CSIR, ICMR, AIIMS, and other institutions to establish Centers of Excellence.
Technology Integration
- Digital transformation through initiatives like Ayush Grid, e-Sanjeevani telemedicine, and AI integration for improved healthcare delivery.
- Ayush Telemedicine has brought quality healthcare to remote regions.
Global Outreach and Partnerships
- The global presence of Ayush significantly strengthened through strategic collaborations and initiatives.
- At the country-to-country level, 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed, complemented by 48 institute-to-institute level MoUs fostering collaborative research.
- 15 MoUs have been established to institute academic chairs, promoting Ayush education and research internationally. Ayush Information Cells, currently operational in 39 locations across 35 countries, serve as vital hubs for disseminating knowledge and building global awareness.
- Notable agreements include the Donor Agreement between India and WHO, an MoU on Medicinal Plants Cooperation between India and Vietnam, and a landmark Agreement on Ayurveda between India and Malaysia, furthering Ayush’s vision of global health and wellness.
- Collaborations with over 103 countries to promote Ayush systems.
- The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar and recognition of traditional medicine in ICD-11 in 2024.
- Initiatives like Ayush Visa and the Heal in India portal propel medical tourism.
Economic Impact
- The Ayush market has grown exponentially, from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 43.4 billion in 2023, with exports doubling from USD 1.09 billion to USD 2.16 billion.
- Support for MSMEs and startups has further strengthened the sector.
Milestones of International Yoga Day
The United Nations General Assembly, on December 11, 2014, unanimously adopted a resolution to observe June 21 every year as the International Day of Yoga (IDY), marking a global recognition of yoga’s transformative power. Over the years, IDY has set unprecedented milestones, starting with IDY-2015, which achieved two Guinness World Records. IDY-2022 introduced the groundbreaking concept of the Guardian Ring of Yoga, symbolising the interconnectedness of global participation. IDY-2023 further expanded its reach to 192 countries, with 23.44 crore participants worldwide, incorporating innovative concepts such as the Ocean Ring of Yoga, Yoga for the Arctic to Antarctic, Yoga at the North and South Poles, Yoga Bharatmala, and Yoga Sagarmala, showcasing yoga’s universal appeal across diverse geographies and cultures.
IDY 2024
IDY 2024 achieved another mile- stone by reaching total participation of approx. 24.53 crore. Social media engagement alone reached 34,890,990 individuals, while community radio stations contributed 2,600,000 participants. Nationally, significant participation came from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, schools, Anganwadi centers, and various government and private organizations. Internationally, Indian embassies and leading yoga institutes engaged around 545,000 people. This extensive participation underscores the broad impact of the initiatives.
Thousands braved weather for Yoga Day at SKICC, Srinagar.
Global and National Impact: India leads global yoga with 177 UN supporters.
Innovative Initiatives: Unique programs like “Yoga for Space” inspire globally.
Significance of the Theme: Yoga for Self and Society promotes unity, wellness worldwide.
Key Data Highlights:
- December 11, 2014: UN General Assembly resolution adopted to observe International Yoga Day annually.
- IDY-2015: Achieved two Guinness World Records during the inaugural celebration.
- IDY-2022: Introduced the concept of the Guardian Ring of Yoga, connecting yoga practitioners globally.
- IDY-2023:
- Participation expanded to 192 countries, with 23.44 crore individuals engaged.
- Introduced innovative initiatives: Ocean Ring of Yoga, Yoga for Arctic to Antarctic, Yoga at the North and South Poles, Yoga Bharatmala, Yoga Sagarmala
Major Achievements Under the National AYUSH Mission (2014-2024)
- Supported 167 integrated Ayush hospitals and upgraded 416 Ayush hospitals and 5,036 dispensaries.
- Annually supplied essential medicines to 996 hospitals and 12,405 dispensaries.
- Supported 12,500 Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, creating a robust grassroots healthcare framework.
Education Reforms
- Establishment of NCISM and NCH under the NCISM Act, 2020, ensuring quality standards in Ayush education.
- Infrastructure and training programs like Ayurgyan and SMART have developed a skilled workforce.
Pathbreaking Initiatives Unveiled by the Hon’ble PM on 9th Ayurveda Day
On October 29, 2024, over 150 countries participated in the 9th Ayurveda Day, themed “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.”
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹12,850 crore, including Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Ayush Centres of Excellence, Central Research Institutes for Yoga and Naturopathy, and ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan’ marking significant integration of Ayurveda with modern healthcare.
“Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan”
“Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” a nationwide campaign launched by the Prime Minister, is set to revolutionise health awareness across India. Mobilising 4.7 lakh volunteers, this initiative promotes holistic well-being and preventative healthcare based on Ayurvedic principles. The campaign will also strive for multiple Guinness World Records, showcasing India’s dedication to blending traditional knowledge with modern outreach. It empowers individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and aims to redefine preventive healthcare nationwide.
The Ministry of Ayush continues to innovate and globalise traditional Indian medicine while ensuring quality, safety, and accessibility. India is poised to lead the world in holistic and sustainable healthcare solutions by leveraging technology, expanding research, and fostering global partnerships.
