Parliamentary Committee on Ayush Meets, Charts Growth Path for Traditional Medicine

“Your insights will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and in advancing India’s leadership in traditional medicine on the world stage,” the Minister said.

The Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Ayush was held in the national capital today, chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush. Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing various political parties, attended the session to deliberate on the future direction of Ayush in India and its growing global footprint.

A Historic First for Ayush

Highlighting the significance of the meeting, Minister Jadhav noted that this was the first time since the Ministry of Ayush became an independent ministry in 2014 that a dedicated Parliamentary Consultative Committee has been constituted.

“This crucial step will ensure focused discussions, deeper policy direction, and greater accountability in promoting holistic healthcare. The Committee will play a key role in aligning Ayush with India’s vision of becoming a global leader in traditional medicine and wellness,” the Minister said.

Participation of MPs

Among the MPs who participated were Dr. Swami Sachidanand Hari Sakshi, Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee, Smt. Jyotsna C Mahant, Smt. Dharmshila Gupta, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Shri Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao, Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, Shri Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai, and Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti.

Each member offered insights and suggestions on how Ayush could be further strengthened and integrated into India’s broader healthcare framework.

Growth and Global Recognition of Ayush

Minister Jadhav underlined the remarkable growth of Ayush in the last decade. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, Ayush has built a robust network of research councils, statutory bodies, and national institutes. Initiatives like the National Ayush Mission and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have taken traditional healthcare to millions of citizens.

He also highlighted the Ministry’s ambitious goal of building a $200 billion Ayush industry, tapping into global demand for holistic and preventive healthcare.

On the global stage, the Minister recalled the success of the International Day of Yoga 2025 held in Visakhapatnam, where over 3 lakh participants joined the celebrations under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” This, he said, showcased the growing global acceptance of yoga as a unifying force for wellness and sustainability.

In addition, research-led initiatives such as Prakriti Parikshan (genetic constitution mapping) and Moringa-based Ayush diets were cited as examples of India’s commitment to evidence-based traditional medicine.

Voices from the Committee

The meeting also saw constructive suggestions from MPs:

• Shri Parshottam Rupala called for greater public awareness campaigns using posters, banners, and IEC materials, along with recognition of grassroots Vaidyas whose knowledge continues to serve rural communities.

• Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee recalled the role of Ayurveda during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it had saved many lives. He urged the creation of new Ayush Wellness Centres across the country.

• Dr. Swami Sachidanand Hari Sakshi expressed solidarity among members for the expansion and global promotion of Ayush systems.

• Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti emphasised that the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) could only be realised with the growth of Ayush. He stressed the need to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding traditional medicine.

• Smt. Jyotsna C Mahant proposed field engagement with Korba tribes in Chhattisgarh to document and integrate their traditional healing practices into the Ayush framework.

Minister’s Closing Remarks

Concluding the session, Shri Jadhav warmly thanked the MPs for their active participation and valuable inputs. He reiterated that their guidance would be crucial in:

• Strengthening Ayush institutions and services across India.

• Bringing traditional medicine to the mainstream healthcare system.

• Positioning India as a global leader in holistic healthcare and wellness diplomacy.

“Your insights will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and in advancing India’s leadership in traditional medicine on the world stage,” the Minister said.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of this Parliamentary Consultative Committee is expected to bring a new era of structured policy support for Ayush, ensuring that India’s ancient wisdom continues to flourish in a modern, evidence-driven, and globally relevant manner.