Ayushman Bhava Conclave 2024 was a day-long event that was held in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on September 12, 2024. During the session of keynote address, the speakers stressed on collaborative approach among various pathies.
Dr Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of AYUSH, addressed the Ayushman Bhava Conclave, emphasising the significance of Ayurveda and integrative healthcare in addressing modern health challenges. He highlighted the newly launched “One Health Mission,” which focuses on holistic well-being, including the protection of environment and animals. Dr Kotecha stressed that overexploitation of nature can lead to adverse health outcomes and called for a balanced approach toward healthcare.
Discussing health trends, Dr Kotecha cited alarming cancer statistics in Nortgh America, noting that 49 per cent of men out of the total population in North America suffer from cancer along with 39 per cent of women affected. He questioned how, despite the prevalance of advanced healthcare systems, such high numbers persist. He also referred to a committee formed during the Obama administration to investigate human exposure to over 300 chemicals, linking environmental degradation to health crises.
Dr Kotecha underscored the role of Ayurveda and Yoga in reducing disease burden and enhancing public health. He pointed the growing popularity of Ayurveda in Indian households, as revealed by the National Statistics Survey, where 96 per cent of households are familiar with Ayurveda, and 45 per cent actively use it. This trend, he said, reflects an undercurrent of traditional medicine’s resurgence, which should be leveraged for greater acceptance.
The Secretary further highlighted Ayurveda’s global appeal, with international patients seeking treatment in India, contributing significantly to the sector’s growth. In 2013, the market was valued at $21 billion, and by 2024, it is projected to grow eightfold. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognized India’s leadership by establishing an Ayurveda center in Jamnagar. Dr Kotecha urged the youth to engage in research to advance Ayurveda, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent mentions of AYUSH in the 100th episode of “Mann Ki Baat.”
Dr. Kotecha mentioned collaborations between AYUSH and premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). All AIIMS institutions have AYUSH centers, which are being upgraded to academic facilities. The Apollo Group, too, has launched an integrative medicine department to deliver comprehensive care to patients by combining conventional and alternative treatments.
Post-pandemic, AYUSH medicine, particularly AYUSH 64, has shown promising results. During COVID-19, 66,000 people treated with AYUSH 64 saw low hospitalisation rates, with less than 0.5 per cent needing advanced care. Dr. Kotecha highlighted these successes as evidence of the potential for integrative healthcare models to save lives and improve public health outcomes.
Dr. Jayantibhai Bhadesiya Stresses Importance of Collective and Integrated Healthcare Mechamism
Dr. Jayantibhai Bhadesiya, speaking at a health event, emphasised the significance of collective efforts in healthcare, drawing on the principles rooted in Dharma. He highlighted the role of the RSS and its affiliate, Arogya Bharti, in promoting healthcare awareness. Dr Bhadesiya stressed that when organisations collaborate, they can work holistically and integrate various approaches to find solutions for ailments.
He advocated for an integrated approach to healthcare, emphasising the importance of maintaining traditional roots while embracing good practices. Despite differing work styles, he stressed that the ultimate goal is o ensure the well being of mankind and added that differences should be resolved through dialogue.
He advocated for a parallel coexistence of Allopathy and Ayurveda, suggesting that healthcare should ultimately lead to spiritual well-being, combining medical and spiritual sciences for holistic health.
Dr Anil Kumar Jaydev Nayak Advocates for Collaboration and Affordable Healthcare
Dr. Anil Kumar Jaydev Nayak, Secretary General of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), highlighted the pivotal role of the IMA in promoting modern medicine at a recent event. As one of the largest medical associations, the IMA works to advance healthcare and ensure the well-being of society. Dr. Nayak emphasized the importance of collaboration among various healthcare systems, stating that each medical practice has its strengths, and progress will come through cooperation.
Dr. Nayak stressed the IMA’s commitment to ensuring that people stay healthy and that those who fall ill receive treatment at affordable prices. He called for a focus on integrated and holistic medicine, reflecting the need for a unified approach to healthcare in today’s world.
In his speech, Dr. Nayak also highlighted the importance of sleep for maintaining good health. Additionally, he mentioned the need to address population growth, signaling the importance of demographic considerations in future healthcare planning.
By fostering collaboration between various health systems and emphasising holistic well-being, the Ayushman Bhava conclave called for a unified approach to addressing healthcare challenges. The discussions highlighted that integrative healthcare can lead to more effective treatments, improved public health, and affordable care for all.
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