Kerala, which
possesses a rich tradition of Ayurveda, is finally set to invest big on the
ancient healthcare sector.
The new focus on
Ayurveda is driven by the fact that there is an increased dependence on the
traditional medicinal system globally to fight lifestyle and non-communicable
diseases.
While the state
government has planned a series of initiatives, the setting up of an
International Ayurvedic Research Centre weighs high among its scheme of things.
“The government
started thinking seriously about the development of the sector since the last
three years…we’ve started setting up an International Ayurvedic Research
Centre at Kalliyad in Kannur,” Health Minister K KShailja said during the
ASCEND 2020 Global Investors Meet held at Kochi on December 9 and 10.
The first phase of
the project, being implemented under the monitoring of renowned physical Dr M S
Valiathan, entails setting up of a manuscript study centre, hospital building
and a museum. Nearly 36 acres identified for the project has been acquired and
handed over to the Ayurveda department.
Similarly, the
state government has conceived the establishment of a Medicinal plant
Preservation & Processing unit at Punalur in Kollam district besides a
Livescience park in Thiruvananthapuram.
“We’re also
considering to set up a chain of Ayurveda hospitals to ensure quality and
affordable treatment. Also we’re exploring the possibilities of setting up
Ayurveda chair in foreign universities,” said Dr Rajan N Khobragade,
Principal Secretary ( Health).
Though the state
boosts of improved health indices, non communicable diseases like diabetes and
high blood pressure are on the rise. Experts now feel that it’s time to explore
integrative practice of Ayurveda to treat chronic diseases.
“Kerala is
known for the rich tradition of Ayurveda. Modern medicine can be complimented
with the traditional natural ones. The hurdle though is the transmission of
Ayurveda to the mainstream,” noted Rajeev Vasudevan, Founder, AyurVED
hospitals.
