Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently announced that the state government has invested ₹1,000 crore over the past three years to strengthen AYUSH infrastructure, including the establishment of an International Institute of Ayurveda Research and a new Ayurveda medical college in Idukki. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Global Ayurveda Summit and Kerala Healthcare Tourism event, highlighting the state's commitment to advancing its healthcare sector.
The summit, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with support from the Ministry of AYUSH and both Central and State governments, focused on promoting Kerala as a premier destination for holistic healing. Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized Kerala's unique strength in blending traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine, setting the state apart as a leader in integrated healthcare.
Key speakers at the event advocated for leveraging Kerala’s strengths in modern medicine, Ayurveda, and tourism to position the state as a global hub for healthcare. The importance of a holistic approach to healthcare, which integrates advancements in medical science with traditional knowledge, was a central theme. Ahmed Gasim, Maldives Minister of State for Health, lauded Kerala's healthcare facilities but called for better coordination and accountability to further improve the sector.
Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, highlighted the rapid growth of the Indian AYUSH market, which is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. This growth underscores the increasing global interest in traditional medicine and Kerala's pivotal role in the sector's expansion.
The summit also saw the release of a CII-KPMG report on Kerala's healthcare sector and a special edition of Oushadham magazine. The event attracted 1,000 delegates, including representatives from 18 countries, and featured 82 exhibitions, showcasing Kerala's advancements in AYUSH and healthcare tourism.
News by Rahul Yelligetti