Marking a symbolic celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi on Dhanteras, coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti. Emphasizing the significance of this timing, PM Modi stated that the day is not merely a coincidence but reflects the deep-rooted connection between health and spirituality in Indian culture. The ceremony underscored the government’s vision to integrate Ayurveda with modern medical science, aiming to create a comprehensive healthcare approach that respects India’s traditional wisdom. In addition to the AIIA expansion, the Prime Minister launched Ayushman Bharat scheme for citizens aged 70 and above and inaugurated numerous healthcare projects across the nation, valued at nearly ₹13,000 crore.
The Significance of Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti
Opening his address, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to the nation on Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti, underscoring the day’s unique resonance as it aligns with both the celebration of wealth and health. He drew attention to the deeper meaning behind Dhanteras, particularly its connection to Indian culture’s emphasis on health as the ultimate wealth. “Health is Wealth” is not only an adage but also a profound part of India’s heritage, which PM Modi highlighted by linking it to the increasing global recognition of Ayurveda. Today, more than 150 countries celebrate Ayurveda Day, signifying the rise of Ayurveda as a global wellness practice, with India at the forefront.
Ayurveda’s Growing Global Appeal and India’s Leadership
Emphasizing India’s ancient knowledge as a tool for modern global wellness, PM Modi proudly noted that the AIIA would serve as a crucial hub for integrating Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine. He stated, “This new phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda will become a center for advanced research, where traditional Panchakarma and other Ayurvedic practices will be blended with modern diagnostics and therapies.” He highlighted that this institution would allow India to harness its ancient healthcare knowledge to address contemporary health issues, reaffirming India’s role as a leader in promoting natural and holistic health on the world stage.
Five Pillars of India’s Health Policy
PM Modi introduced five central pillars of India’s health policy, each aimed at creating a robust and resilient healthcare system for all:
- Preventive Healthcare: Encouraging wellness and disease prevention through lifestyle and wellness practices.
- Timely Diagnosis: Enhancing early diagnosis to ensure timely treatment and better outcomes.
- Affordable Treatment and Medicines: Ensuring cost-effective healthcare and medicines are accessible to all.
- Quality Healthcare in Rural and Smaller Towns: Expanding access to quality healthcare in remote and underserved areas, including addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals.
- Technological Advancements in Healthcare: Leveraging digital health initiatives and advanced technologies for better access and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
Launch of the Insurance Scheme for Senior Citizens
As part of India’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive healthcare for its aging population, PM Modi announced a groundbreaking health insurance scheme targeted specifically at citizens aged 70 and above. Recognizing the unique health needs of this age group, the scheme will provide 5 lac free treatment and financial protection for critical health services, offering peace of mind and financial security to the elderly and their families. The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to inclusive healthcare, providing support to the elderly as they access medical services.
A Monumental Investment in Health Infrastructure
As part of the ceremony, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for and inaugurated numerous healthcare projects amounting to a staggering ₹13,000 crore investment. These projects, aimed at expanding healthcare access, include a combination of new medical colleges, critical care facilities, ESIC hospitals, and centers focused on holistic health. Each of these projects aligns with India’s vision of a comprehensive, accessible healthcare system that integrates both modern medicine and Ayurveda.
Detailed List of Inaugurated and Laid Foundation Projects
Ayush and Ayurvedic Initiatives
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) – Second Phase, New Delhi: A state-of-the-art facility integrating Ayurvedic practices like Panchakarma with modern medical research and diagnostics.
- Ayurveda Research Centers of Excellence
- IIT Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi: Established to drive Ayurvedic research forward, these centers will link traditional Ayurvedic principles with advanced scientific research.
Healthcare Infrastructure Projects Across India
Delhi
- National Level Research and Referral Institute for Dental Sciences: A premier institute focusing on advanced dental research.
- Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD): To ensure sterilization and supply management in medical facilities.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Providing affordable medicines for the public.
- Residential Building Reconstructive Projects: Supporting accommodation for healthcare personnel.
Madhya Pradesh
- New Medical Colleges: In Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni, expanding medical education.
- Administrative Block Extension at AIIMS Bhopal.
- 300-Bed ESIC Hospital in Indore.
- Nursing Colleges: In Shivpuri, Khandwa, Ratlam, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur.
- 100-Bed ESIC Hospital foundation in Pithampur.
Karnataka
- Critical Care Blocks under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission: Across four cities, offering specialized care.
- 200-Bed Hospital in Bommasandra.
- 100-Bed ESIC Hospital foundation in Narsapura.
Chhattisgarh
- Super Specialty Block: At Bilaspur Government Medical College.
- Central Yoga and Naturopathy Research Institute foundation in Raipur.
Uttar Pradesh
- AIIMS Gorakhpur: New Dentistry and Cornea Transplant Blocks.
- 100-Bed ESIC Hospital in Meerut.
Odisha
- Critical Care Block foundation in Bargarh.
- Central Yoga and Naturopathy Research Institute foundation in Khordha.
Himachal Pradesh
- Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Bilaspur.
- Critical Care Blocks in Kullu and Chamba.
Andhra Pradesh
- 30-Bed ESIC Hospital foundation in Atchutapuram.
Tamil Nadu
- Critical Care Blocks: In Erode, Villupuram, Theni, Ramanathapuram, and Kanchipuram.
Assam
- Radiotherapy Block: At AIIMS Guwahati.
West Bengal
- Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Cath Lab, and Heart and Lung Facilities in Kalyani.
Bihar
- NICU, Kidney Transplant, and Cancer Treatment Facilities at AIIMS Patna.
- HELA-ABC Facilities: Enhancing biomedical research and application.
Manipur
- Critical Care Block foundation in Thoubal.
Haryana
- 500-Bed ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Faridabad.
- 15-Bed Community Health Center in Fatehpur Biloch, Ballabhgarh.
Rajasthan
- Critical Care Blocks in eight cities, enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The Future of Indian Healthcare: Integrating Tradition with Modernity
In his closing remarks, PM Modi highlighted India’s future as a beacon of integrative healthcare, where ancient Ayurvedic knowledge combines seamlessly with modern medical advancements to serve the health needs of the population. The new phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda is a major step in realizing this vision, blending traditional Panchakarma treatments with modern therapeutic research. The insurance scheme for senior citizens and the healthcare card recycling initiative also reflect India’s commitment to an inclusive, sustainable, and accessible healthcare system.
This Dhanteras has become a milestone in India’s healthcare journey, symbolizing a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary medical innovation. The inauguration of AIIA’s second phase, combined with a comprehensive set of new healthcare projects across India, underscores a national commitment to holistic wellness. Through initiatives like the senior citizen insurance scheme and card recycling program, the government is not only enhancing healthcare access but also emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity.
As India builds on its ancient practices while embracing modern technology, PM Modi’s vision of a “Healthy India” is gradually coming to fruition. This fusion of modern medicine and Ayurveda is more than a healthcare initiative; it’s a reflection of India’s enduring legacy and its aspiration to lead the world in holistic health.
