Ayurvedamagazine

Tag: Healthcare

  • Ayurveda Day 2026 to Put Tradition at the Heart of Future Healthcare

    This year’s theme, ‘Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow’, captures the government’s effort to connect ancient health practices with contemporary priorities such as preventive care, nutrition, wellness and sustainable living.

    Addressing the curtain-raiser press conference at the National Media Centre on September 7 in New Delhi, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said the occasion would evolve into a nationwide health communication campaign rather than remain a government-led annual event.

    The campaign will centre on three broad priorities: integrating different systems of medicine for better health outcomes; strengthening evidence, research and innovation in Ayurveda; and promoting community wellbeing alongside sustainable lifestyles.

    The emphasis on evidence is particularly significant. While Ayurveda has a wide public following, Jadhav stressed the need to counter misconceptions and offer reliable, accessible information to citizens. He urged the media to spread evidence-based messages to schools, colleges, young people, rural communities and urban households.

    The larger ambition, he suggested, was to create a chain linking traditional knowledge with modern evidence, innovation and public welfare.

    Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, outlined initiatives planned for Ayurveda Day, including the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2026, safety dossiers on medicinal plants, Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin diseases, and programmes linked to Ayush Vision 2030.

    With Nagpur as the national focal point, Ayurveda Day 2026 aims to blend an ancient system of healing with a broader conversation on how India—and the world—can stay healthier tomorrow.

    Reference: Press Information Bureau

  • SDM Ayurveda Centre to Hold International Conference on Translational Ayurveda and Autoimmune Disorders

    The S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, will conduct the sixth international conference on Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders, KSHAMATVAM 2026, from September 30 to October 1 at the Bhavaprakasha Auditorium. A pre-conference workshop is scheduled for September 29.

    The conference will bring together researchers, clinicians, academicians, and practitioners from India and abroad to examine Ayurveda’s potential in understanding and managing autoimmune disorders, while exploring its interface with contemporary immunology, biomedical science and clinical research.

    Themed ‘Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders: Bridging Classical Wisdom with Global Healthcare,’ the conference will examine classical concepts such as Vyādhikṣamatva, Ojas, Agni and Rasāyana in the context of modern research on immunity and personalised healthcare.

    Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sree Kshethra Dharmasthala, Chancellor of SDM University and president of SDMET (R), Ujire, said the conference aimed to strengthen evidence-informed Ayurveda and create greater interaction between traditional knowledge and contemporary science.

    Dr. Mamatha K.V., Principal, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, and Chief Organising Secretary of KSHAMATVAM 2026, said the conference would seek to strengthen the scientific evidence base for Ayurvedic approaches to autoimmune disorders through interaction with immunology and allied disciplines.

    The two-day scientific programme will include keynote addresses, invited lectures, panel discussions, and paper and poster presentations. Speakers include Dr. Srinivasa Hejmady Acharya, Dr. Vishweshwariah Prakash, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Dr. Jorge Luis Berra, Dr. Rammanohar Puthiyedath, Dr. Sanjeev Rastogi, Dr. Shashikiran Umakanth, Dr. Kessler, Dr. Yogesh Bendale, Dr. Kishore Kumar, Dr. Antonio Morandi, Dr. Anita Karilio Arkas and Dr. Prashanth A.S.

    The discussions will cover Ayurvedic perspectives on immunity, medicinal plants, diagnostics, lifestyle and environmental influences, epigenetics, immunology and clinical interventions, including Samana Aushadha and Panchakarma.

    The September 29 pre-conference workshop will offer specialised sessions on research models for autoimmune disorders, drug survey, Marma Chikitsa and OPD-based Panchakarma procedures.

    An Ayurveda Expo will run alongside the conference, featuring exhibits related to Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research, healthcare technologies, publications and wellness services. The organisers expect more than 2,000 delegates to attend.

    The conference intends to move beyond a purely traditional understanding of Ayurveda and examine its concepts through the methods and frameworks of contemporary biomedical research.

    For conference details and abstract submission:

    Website: www.sdmkshamatvamudupi2026.com

    Email: [email protected]

  • More Donors, More Lives: India’s Organ Donation Gap Calls for Urgent Public Action

    India’s growing transplant needs have brought the country’s persistent shortage of donated organs into sharp focus, with healthcare experts calling for greater public awareness and participation in organ donation.

    Speaking at an event held on the eve of World Organ Donation Day, which falls on August 13, in New Delhi, experts from Fortis Escorts, Okhla, and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) stressed that increasing the availability of organs from deceased donors remains a challenge in India’s transplant ecosystem.

    NOTTO Director Dr Anil Kumar said a single deceased donor could save up to eight lives through organ donation, while tissue donation could improve the quality of life of many more. He underlined the need to dispel misconceptions surrounding brain death and encourage more people to pledge their organs.

    The scale of the shortage is stark. India’s organ donation rate remains below one donor per million population, while nearly 90,000 patients were on the national transplant waiting list as of March 2026. Between 2020 and 2024, as many as 2,805 patients died while waiting for an organ transplant, according to the information shared at the event.

    Despite an increase in the number of transplants, deceased-donor organs account for only about 18 per cent of transplants in the country. Experts said this highlights the urgent need to expand the pool of deceased donors and ensure that potentially life-saving organs do not go unused.

    Dr Z S Meharwal, Chairman and Head of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Fortis Escorts Okhla, said greater awareness and participation could help reduce the number of patients who remain on waiting lists simply because a suitable organ is unavailable.

    India is progressing in transplant medicine and logistics such as the use of green corridors to transport organs rapidly between hospitals. However, experts noted that sophisticated medical infrastructure could only go so far if the supply of donated organs remains inadequate.

    The challenge, therefore, is not merely technological but also social. Addressing myths about organ donation, improving awareness about brain death and encouraging families to discuss donation could play a crucial role in closing the gap between patients waiting for transplants and organs available for transplantation.

    For thousands of patients battling serious organ failure, the difference between waiting and receiving a transplant can be the difference between life and death. Experts said greater participation in organ donation is essential if India is to turn advances in transplant medicine into more lives saved.

    Reference: PTI; ET Healthworld

  • Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Intensifies; WHO Warns of Escalating Health Crisis

    The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying rapidly, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that the virus continues to spread across multiple provinces amid conflict, displacement, and strained healthcare services. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has become one of the most challenging public health emergencies in the region. 

    Health officials say the disease has expanded beyond its initial epicentre, fuelled by population movement, insecurity, and delayed detection of new infections. The absence of an approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo strain has further complicated containment efforts, forcing health workers to rely on surveillance, isolation, supportive care, and community engagement. 

    WHO has urged an urgent scale-up of international support, warning that overwhelmed treatment centres, shortages of protective equipment, and logistical challenges threaten to outpace the response. Humanitarian agencies also caution that the outbreak is deepening food insecurity and disrupting livelihoods in eastern Congo, where conflict has already displaced millions. 

    Despite the worsening situation in the DRC, WHO maintains that the risk of wider international transmission remains low, although neighbouring countries continue heightened surveillance and border screening. Health authorities stress that early detection, rapid isolation of cases, and sustained global funding will be critical to preventing the outbreak from escalating further.

  • Cultural Sensitivity, Effective Communication Vital to Enhance India’s Medical Tourism: Study

    Cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and proper expectation management are critical to strengthening India’s position as a global medical tourism destination, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.

    The study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management, found that international patients’ experiences in Indian hospitals were shaped not only by the quality of medical treatment but also by how well healthcare professionals understand and respond to cultural differences.

    The research was carried out by Payal Mehra, Professor of Communication at IIM Lucknow, and Dr Himanshu Tyagi, Director of the Orthopaedic Department at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. It examined the experiences of 1,600 international patients receiving treatment at a Government of India-designated medical tourism hospital accredited by both the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). The researchers analysed patient responses using multiple statistical methods to assess the relationship between cultural sensitivity, communication, and patient satisfaction.

    According to the findings, patients develop perceptions of a hospital’s cultural sensitivity before and during their treatment through various sources of information. These perceptions significantly influence how they evaluate communication with healthcare providers and the overall quality of care they receive.

    “India is an important hub of medical tourism. However, the market is still largely concentrated among patients from neighbouring countries with relatively lower cultural differences. Strengthening cross-cultural communication skills can help attract and retain patients from a wider range of countries,” Mehra said.

    The researchers recommended that hospitals introduce structured intercultural communication training programmes for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They also suggested improving medical tourism websites with culturally relevant information about India’s healthcare system and tourism opportunities, while leveraging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality to familiarise prospective patients with healthcare services before their arrival.

    Dr. Tyagi noted that international patients seek more than affordable treatment when travelling abroad. “Medical tourists look for trust, understanding, and reassurance. Hospitals that successfully bridge cultural and communication gaps can deliver better patient experiences while enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global medical tourism market,” he said.

    India is one of the world’s leading medical tourism hubs owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, internationally accredited hospitals, experienced specialists, shorter waiting periods, and comparatively affordable treatment costs. The study states that strengthening cultural competence among healthcare providers could further enhance the country’s appeal to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    Reference:

    ET Healthworld.com

    PTI

    Medical Tourism, IIM Lucknow, Cultural Sensitivity, Patient Communication, Healthcare, India

  • Today, more than 11.5 crore benefit from 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, says minister

    “The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025,” Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said on Thursday. He was speaking during the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). “As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions,” the minister said. 

    “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres got NABH entry-level certification and another 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals were established, reflecting the government’s commitment to quality and accessibility,” said Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. 

    The National Ayush Mission was started in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, which has since increased to reach ₹1275 crore in 2025–26, pointing to the success of the scheme and the strengthening of Ayush healthcare across the country. 

    “Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. Nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, said Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush. 

    Launched in 2014, the National Ayush Mission aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme. The two-day conclave aims to chalk out the future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.

    The inaugural session also saw the release of the ‘Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine’. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.

  • Discover Vietnam: A Rising Star in Medical Tourism

    Looking for top-notch medical services with a touch of adventure? Vietnam is making waves as the ultimate destination for international medical tourists. With cutting-edge facilities and expert care, this vibrant country is redefining healthcare travel.

    A recent survey by Indochina Research reveals fascinating trends among foreign visitors tapping into Vietnam’s medical expertise. From bustling Hanoi to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, over 300 participants shared their experiences, showcasing Vietnam’s rise as a regional medical powerhouse.

    Medical expertise – top priority for foreign visitors

    Why choose Vietnam? It’s simple: skilled professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and a healthcare system that’s setting new standards. Whether you’re seeking advanced treatments or wellness retreats, Vietnam is the place to be.

    When it comes to choosing a medical facility, international visitors know what matters most: expertise, quality, and care. A recent survey reveals that 53% prioritize the expertise of medical professionals, followed by infrastructure quality (48%) and patient care services (40%). Across Vietnam’s major cities, these preferences remain consistent, proving that Vietnam delivers on all fronts.

    Over the past two years, Vietnam has become the go-to destination for health check-ups (48%), dental care (39%), and general medical consultations (38%). And the trend isn’t slowing down—87% of foreigners plan to continue using Vietnam’s medical services in the next 6-12 months, with soaring demand for dental care (59%) and regular health checks (58%).

    What’s driving this boom? Vietnam’s unbeatable combination of high-quality services and affordable prices. With a robust network of private hospitals, Vietnam is outshining its regional competitors and cementing its place as a medical tourism hotspot.

    The most popular hospital for foreign tourists

    Leading the charge is Vinmec Healthcare System, the most recognised medical facility among foreigners, with an impressive 67% brand recognition. Vinmec dominates in Hanoi (80%) and Da Nang (78%), setting the gold standard for healthcare excellence.

    Step into the future of healthcare with Vinmec, Vietnam’s premier medical system that’s redefining international standards. From general check-ups to specialized treatments like cancer care, cardiovascular expertise, and orthopaedics, Vinmec delivers world-class services tailored to your needs.

    Vinmec doesn’t just meet expectations, it exceeds them. With JCI accreditation, the gold standard in hospital quality and patient safety, and Asia’s first Cardiology Centre of Excellence accredited by ACC, Vinmec is setting benchmarks in heart failure and coronary artery disease management.

    But that’s not all. Vinmec Times City International Hospital and Vinmec Central Park International Hospital are proud members of Cleveland Clinic Connected, a global affiliation program with the renowned Cleveland Clinic (USA).

    As CEO Ms. Le Thuy Anh puts it: “Vinmec’s trust among the foreign community in Vietnam is a testament to our exceptional service quality. We’re committed to investing in technology, expanding services, and enhancing patient experiences to make Vinmec the top choice for healthcare in Vietnam and beyond.”

    The Future of Medical Tourism in Vietnam

    With a surge in demand for top-tier healthcare among international visitors, Vietnam is poised to become the region’s ultimate medical tourism hotspot. Combining world-class quality with affordable prices, Vietnam is drawing patients from across the globe for medical treatments and wellness services.

    To keep this momentum, hospitals and medical facilities are stepping up their game—enhancing service quality, upgrading infrastructure, and making healthcare more accessible to foreign patients. The result? A seamless experience that keeps international visitors coming back for more.

    Thanks to insights from Indochina Research, Vietnam’s medical providers are fine-tuning their offerings to meet the evolving needs of global patients. With its rapid progress and commitment to excellence, Vietnam is set to shine as a regional and global leader in medical tourism.

  • PM Modi calls for strategic interventions to harness the full potential of the Ayush sector

    On the heels of its successful intervention in keeping the Maha Kumbha Mela healthy and disease-free, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a high-level meeting to review the Ayush sector on Thursday.  In a comprehensive review of the sector’s progress, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for strategic interventions to harness its full potential. The Prime Minister underscored its vital role in holistic wellbeing and healthcare, preserving traditional knowledge, and contributing to the nation’s wellness ecosystem.

    The review focused on streamlining initiatives, optimizing resources, and charting a visionary path to elevate Ayush’s global presence. India has established itself as a global leader in evidence-based traditional medicine, with the Ayush Research Portal now hosting over 43,000 studies. Research publications in the last 10 years exceed the publications of the previous 60 years.

    The manufacturing market size of the Ayush sector has surged from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 23 billion in 2023. The introduction of the Ayush Visa has boosted medical tourism, attracting international patients seeking holistic healthcare solutions. The inclusion of traditional medicine in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 and the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, have been landmark achievements, reinforcing India’s leadership in traditional medicine.

    The Ayush sector has witnessed significant breakthroughs through collaborations with premier institutions at national and international levels. Plans include leveraging digital technologies for the promotion of Yoga with the iGot platform to host more holistic Yoga content. The Ayush infrastructure will be strengthened with a renewed focus on the integration of artificial intelligence under the Ayush Grid.

    More than 24.52 Cr people participated in the 2024 International Day of Yoga (IDY) which has now become a global phenomenon. The 10th Year of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 is set to be a significant milestone with more participation of people across the globe.

    During the review, the Prime Minister emphasized the sector’s significant contributions, including its role in promoting preventive healthcare, boosting rural economies through medicinal plant cultivation, and enhancing India’s global standing as a leader in traditional medicine. He highlighted the sector’s resilience and growth, noting its increasing acceptance worldwide and its potential to drive sustainable development and employment generation.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that the government is committed to strengthening the Ayush sector through policy support, research, and innovation. He also emphasised the need to promote holistic and integrated health and standard protocols in the Yoga, Naturopathy and Pharmacy sectors.

    The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav among other senior officials. 


  • Boost to medical tourism and healthcare in Budget 2025-26

    In a significant push towards enhancing India’s healthcare sector and positioning the country as a global medical tourism hub, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her annual budget presentation on Saturday, announced several key measures aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure, easing access to life-saving drugs, and streamlining medical visa norms.

    Boost to Medical Tourism and ‘Heal in India’ Initiative

    One of the major announcements was the government’s commitment to promoting medical tourism in collaboration with the private sector. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, a flagship program designed to attract international patients seeking quality healthcare at affordable costs, will see renewed efforts in capacity building and policy reforms.

    With India already being one of the most sought-after destinations for medical treatments, the government’s focus on expanding medical facilities and ensuring seamless access to healthcare services for international patients is expected to significantly boost the sector. The relaxation of visa norms will further simplify the process for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India, making it easier for them to avail themselves of world-class medical care.

    Relief on Import of Life-Saving Drugs and Medicines

    A major highlight of the budget was the government’s decision to provide relief to patients suffering from severe chronic illnesses, including cancer and rare diseases, by expanding the list of life-saving drugs that are fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). A total of 36 new drugs and medicines have been added to the exemption list, while six more will now attract a concessional customs duty of 5%.

    This move is expected to reduce the financial burden on patients who require expensive medications for long-term treatment. Additionally, the exemptions will apply to bulk drugs used in the manufacturing of these medicines, ensuring a steady supply of affordable drugs in the domestic market.

    Furthermore, the government has extended full customs duty exemptions to 37 more medicines that are distributed free of cost under pharmaceutical companies’ Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Thirteen new assistance programs have also been introduced to support patients who cannot afford high-cost medications.

    With these strategic initiatives, India is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in medical tourism while ensuring that its own population has better access to critical healthcare services. The budget’s emphasis on healthcare reforms reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a healthier and more resilient nation.


  • Over 1.21 lakh devotees have availed Ayush services at Maha Kumbh thus far, the ministry says

    Over 1.21 lakh devotees have availed Ayush services at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the Ayush Ministry informed on Thursday. As many as 45% of the beneficiaries are members of the elderly population, it said. Free healthcare services are being provided to domestic and international devotees through Ayush OPDs, clinics, stalls and sessions arranged by the ministry in collaboration with the National Ayush Mission, Uttar Pradesh. These services are emerging as key attractions for devotees, pilgrims and visitors at the mega festival.

    The Ayush team at Maha Kumbh comprises 80 doctors across 20 OPDs to provide 24×7 medical services. These OPDs are equipped to address a wide range of common and chronic conditions. Foreign devotees are also utilising Ayush services, including OPD consultations.  Also, daily therapeutic yoga sessions are being conducted from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at designated camps in the Sangam area and Sector-8, led by trainers from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi. The participation of international devotees in these sessions highlights the growing interest and trust in Ayush services among the local and global public.

    The devotees are being made aware of the latest advancements in Ayush systems of medicine, medicinal plants, etc. The (NMPB) National Medicinal Plants Board has put up a creative display of medicinal plants and deployed experts to share information about these plants, including common benefits etc.  Devotees were also informed about the potential financial benefits of growing these plants, and free saplings are also being distributed.

    The Ayush team has arranged free distribution of medicines including immunity boosters and calcium tablets. Informative pamphlets on common ailments and their Ayush remedies are also being distributed.