Ayush Partners with CISF to Embed Preventive Healthcare and Yoga into Security Forces’ Daily Life

Recognising these concerns, the Ministry of Ayush is stepping in with structured interventions rooted in traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.

In a major push to integrate preventive healthcare into India’s security framework, the Ministry of Ayush has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The agreement signals a strategic shift toward holistic well-being, aiming to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional resilience of thousands of personnel safeguarding critical infrastructure across the country.

The partnership reflects the government’s growing emphasis on preventive and promotive healthcare, particularly for high-stress professions like paramilitary forces.

A Strategic Health Intervention for Frontline Forces

CISF, with a strength of over 1.7 lakh personnel, is responsible for securing airports, metro networks, nuclear installations, and other critical infrastructure. The demanding nature of these roles often exposes personnel to chronic stress, irregular routines, and lifestyle-related health challenges.

Recognising these concerns, the Ministry of Ayush is stepping in with structured interventions rooted in traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. A. Raghu, Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of Ayush, and Smt. Pratibha Agarwal, Inspector General (Administration), CISF Headquarters, New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and Shri Praveer Ranjan, IPS, Director General, CISF.

Focus on Preventive Care and Stress Management

At the core of this collaboration is a shift from reactive treatment to proactive wellness. The initiative will focus on:

• Regular yoga and meditation sessions to improve mental resilience

• Stress management and lifestyle modification programmes

• Awareness and sensitisation campaigns on preventive healthcare

• Integration of Ayush-based wellness practices into daily routines

• Holistic health interventions tailored for operational environments

These efforts are expected to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and anxiety disorders, which are increasingly reported among personnel in high-pressure roles.

Ayush Services to Reach CISF Units Nationwide

A key innovation under this partnership is the planned expansion of Ayush OPD-level services within CISF establishments, wherever feasible. This could bring traditional healthcare systems directly into security campuses, reducing dependency on external medical facilities and improving accessibility.

The Ministry of Ayush will provide:

• Technical expertise and advisory support

• Standardised wellness modules and training content

• Access to research institutions and Ayush councils

• Capacity-building programmes for CISF units

CISF, in turn, will ensure on-ground implementation, infrastructure support, and participation across its nationwide network of units.

Bridging Traditional Knowledge with Modern Security Needs

This collaboration is part of a broader national effort to mainstream Ayush systems in institutional settings, including the armed forces, police, and public sector organisations. By embedding yoga and traditional wellness practices into the daily lives of personnel, the government aims to create a more resilient and health-conscious workforce.

Officials noted that such integrative models not only improve individual well-being but also enhance operational efficiency, alertness, and decision-making under stress.

A Five-Year Roadmap for Holistic Transformation

The MoU will remain in effect for five years, during which both organisations will work closely to scale up interventions, monitor outcomes, and refine implementation strategies.

Experts believe that if successfully executed, this initiative could serve as a replicable model for other security and law enforcement agencies, further strengthening India’s preventive healthcare ecosystem.

Towards a Healthier Force

As India continues to prioritise wellness-driven governance, this partnership underscores a critical message: safeguarding the nation also requires safeguarding those who protect it. By combining ancient wisdom with modern institutional frameworks, the Ayush-CISF collaboration marks a forward-looking step in redefining healthcare for India’s frontline forces.