New Delhi, 27th February 2025: An important step in the government’s continuous efforts to establish AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) as a pillar of India’s healthcare system was taken today when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg to assess the sector’s progress. The seminar emphasized how AYUSH is becoming more and more accepted throughout the world and how it may spur economic growth, holistic welfare, and sustainable development.
The sector’s enormous contributions to preventative healthcare, rural development via the cultivation of medicinal plants, and India’s ascent to prominence as a leader in traditional medicine were the main topics of the assessment. PM Modi emphasized that the industry is an essential part of India’s healthcare program because of its increasing global reputation and rising significance in sustainable healthcare.
Since the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has envisioned the sector’s growth trajectory, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions, research, and policy support to unlock its full potential. He outlined a roadmap for elevating AYUSH’s global presence, ensuring its relevance in modern healthcare while preserving India’s rich tradition of medicine.
A Vision for the Future
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the AYUSH sector through policy support, research, innovation, and education. He emphasized the importance of developing standardized protocols for Yoga, Naturopathy, and the Pharmacy sector, ensuring that these practices align with global health standards while promoting the benefits of holistic, integrated health.
“The AYUSH sector is a key driver of India’s wellness economy, contributing not only to national healthcare but also to our international influence in the field of traditional medicine,” said PM Modi. “Our commitment is clear — to provide unwavering support for this sector and leverage it for sustainable development and job creation.”
Economic Growth and International Recognition
The Prime Minister was briefed on the sector’s impressive progress over the past decade. The AYUSH manufacturing market has grown exponentially, from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 23 billion in 2023, a testament to the sector’s increasing commercial viability. India has also solidified its position as a global leader in evidence-based traditional medicine, with the AYUSH Research Portal now hosting over 43,000 studies, surpassing research publications of the previous 60 years combined.
Notable achievements include the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which serves as a landmark in India’s leadership in traditional medicine. Additionally, the inclusion of traditional medicine in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 marks a critical step in the integration of AYUSH into the global health framework.
The government’s efforts to promote medical tourism through initiatives like the AYUSH Visa and the expansion of international collaborations have also played a pivotal role in raising global awareness about AYUSH therapies. More people worldwide are now seeking alternative and complementary therapies, making India an attractive destination for holistic healthcare solutions.
Promoting Yoga and Digital Integration
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of the International Day of Yoga (IDY), which has evolved into a global phenomenon, with more than 24.52 crore people participating in the 2024 celebration. With the 10th year of IDY set to be celebrated in 2025, India aims to engage even more people from around the world, promoting Yoga as a means of enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, PM Modi discussed the importance of integrating digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the AYUSH sector. Initiatives like the AYUSH Grid, which focuses on the digitalization of traditional medicine, and the iGot platform, offering content on holistic practices like Y-Break Yoga, are expected to enhance the accessibility and visibility of AYUSH therapies to a global audience.
Commitment to Integrity and Transparency
The Prime Minister reiterated that transparency must remain at the core of all operations within the government and its sectors. He directed all stakeholders in the AYUSH sector to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to ensure that their work remains guided by the rule of law and dedicated to the public good.
A Bright Future for AYUSH
The Prime Minister’s review meeting underscored the sector’s rapid evolution and its crucial role in India’s future health landscape. With continued government support and international collaborations, the AYUSH sector is poised to further cement its position as a key pillar of global healthcare. As the government remains committed to promoting this sector, its potential to foster sustainable development, generate employment, and improve well-being worldwide is immense.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of AYUSH Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and senior officials, who all discussed the next steps for driving further growth in the AYUSH sector and its international impact.
