October 29, 2024 – New Delhi
In a landmark event on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. This extension, completed at a cost of ₹258.73 crores, expands AIIA’s capacity to a 350-bed facility, offering patients advanced Ayurvedic treatments and modern healthcare infrastructure.
The newly inaugurated AIIA Phase II includes a 150-bed Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, a 500-seat auditorium, a central library, an IT and startups center, and guest houses for both national and international visitors. The addition of these facilities positions AIIA as a hub for Ayurvedic healthcare, innovation, and scientific research, aimed at promoting wellness and preventive healthcare through Ayurveda.
PM Modi emphasized the synergy between traditional Ayurveda and modern medicine, highlighting AIIA’s role as a symbol of this integration. He noted that since 2014, the acceptance and growth of Ayurveda under his government have reached unprecedented heights. He reflected on the principle of "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah"—a vision for universal well-being that guides the essence of Ayurveda.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the global impact of Ayurveda, mentioning that Ayurveda Day is celebrated in over 150 countries. The Prime Minister also launched the Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at raising health awareness and incorporating holistic well-being practices into daily life. He acknowledged AIIA’s pivotal role in increasing the visibility of Ayurveda globally, thanks to significant government efforts in the past decade.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the rising demand for wellness tourism, emphasizing the vast opportunities for AYUSH practitioners in fields like preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and rehabilitation centers. He encouraged India’s youth to explore careers within AYUSH, stressing the potential for growth both domestically and internationally, driven by India’s burgeoning role in the medical tourism sector.
PM Modi underscored the importance of scientifically validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper. He noted that laboratory studies to substantiate the health benefits of these herbs would increase their market value and create economic opportunities. The demand for Ashwagandha alone, for instance, is projected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of the decade.
The AYUSH sector has experienced remarkable growth, with the manufacturing sector expanding from $3 billion in 2014 to nearly $24 billion in 2024, an eight-fold increase. This transformation, according to PM Modi, illustrates how the AYUSH sector is not only boosting healthcare but also contributing significantly to the economy.
The AIIA took the lead in celebrating the 9th Ayurveda Day with various events including marathons, health camps, webinars, and other activities aimed at raising awareness about Ayurveda. The inauguration of Phase II at AIIA marks a major milestone for India’s health sector, promoting the rich heritage of Ayurveda with modern healthcare practices and solidifying India’s position as a global center for Ayurvedic medicine and research.
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