The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, themed "Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel," was inaugurated today in Mumbai by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The summit, organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, and other key partners, aims to position India as a premier global hub for holistic healthcare based on Ayush systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
In his inaugural address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted India's rich offerings in natural beauty and holistic healthcare, which have attracted thousands of international tourists annually. He emphasized that Ayush focuses on comprehensive health, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, positioning India as a global leader in health tourism. The minister noted the global recognition of Ayush under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, with integration into prominent institutions like AIIMS and defense hospitals. The G-20 presidency has further helped India showcase Ayush on a global scale, expanding its integration into healthcare systems nationwide.
The minister also stressed the need to make authentic Ayush services more accessible to those interested. He proposed establishing a Ministry of Ayush in Maharashtra and an Ayush University during his discussion with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde. Shri Prataprao Jadhav further announced the launch of the first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center on October 9, aiming to integrate traditional practices into healthcare. He also outlined plans for the "Women's Health Check" initiative, promoting health awareness through Ayurveda, and highlighted the establishment of affordable Ayush centers at block and tehsil levels to make these services accessible to all.
In his keynote presentation, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, underscored the global growth of Ayush. He shared insights from a study conducted by RIES (Research in Information Systems), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of External Affairs. The study revealed that the Ayush sector grew from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1 million in 2020—a sixfold increase over six years. The projected size of the Ayush sector for 2023 is $24 million, representing an almost eightfold growth since 2014.
Shri Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu) for the Ministry of Ayush, welcomed the 650 participants to the summit and discussed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Tourism. This collaboration, with support from the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), aims to enhance Ayush and Medical Value Travel. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between state governments, tourism departments, and Ayush departments to promote Ayush-based wellness travel and ancient Ayurvedic sites of significance.
Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Shri Devendra Triguna, President of the All India Ayurvedic Congress, shared his commitment to promoting Ayurveda. His efforts have led to the establishment of several institutions, including the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), the All India Institute of Ayurveda, and the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth. His contributions have significantly extended the reach of Ayurveda, impacting over 80 countries and establishing him as a leading figure in the Ayush sector.
The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 aims to integrate traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern healthcare systems to strengthen India's position in Medical Value Travel (MVT). The event will be followed by similar summits in Bhubaneswar and a grand finale in Delhi, targeting one crore households with the "Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan - Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved" initiative on Ayurveda Day.
The summit featured several key sessions, including:
- An Interactive Session with Foreign Missions in India, focusing on government initiatives and policies to promote Medical Value Travel and support Ayush service providers.
- Presentations by central and state governments, exploring regulatory frameworks, insurance coverage, and international patient services. Speakers included Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu), and Dr. Rajeev D Nivatkar, Commissioner, Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Government of Maharashtra.
- A session on "Success Stories and Expanding Opportunities in Ayush & Medical Value Travel," with insights from prominent wellness centers and hospitals attracting international patients, including speakers such as Mr. Joy Kumar Singh, CMO of Atmaneem Nature Cure, Gujarat; Mr. Nikhil Kapur, Co-Founder of Atmantan Wellness Centre, Pune; and Ms. Natalie Grant Nanda, Director of Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
- Panel discussions with top leaders from the Ayush sector, exploring challenges and opportunities for global collaborations in Ayush-based wellness services.
The summit also showcased an exhibition featuring Ayush manufacturers and service providers. With support from FICCI, Invest India, ITDC, Ayushexcil, and SEPC, the event provided a platform for stakeholders—including government officials, wellness centers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and industry leaders—to discuss the future of Ayush-based healthcare and Medical Value Travel. Participants gained insights into regulatory provisions, opportunities in international markets, and initiatives driving the global growth of Ayush.
India currently ranks 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index, reflecting its potential to attract international patients seeking integrated and cost-effective healthcare solutions. Recent guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) now require health insurance companies to offer Ayush treatments on par with other treatments, further supporting the expansion of Ayush-based healthcare.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)