Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underlined that in keeping with changing times, Ayurveda must increasingly adopt modern technology and AI, which can enable innovative approaches to predicting disease possibilities and offering treatment through different methods.
He was addressing the centenary celebrations of Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital in Kerala via video message.
Emphasising that Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala is a living symbol of India’s healing tradition that has served humanity for centuries, the PM stressed that Ayurveda in India has never been confined to one era or one region; in every age, this ancient medical system has shown the way to understand life, create balance, and harmonise with nature.
He pointed out that today, Arya Vaidyasala manufactures more than 600 Ayurvedic medicines, and its hospitals across different parts of the country treat patients through Ayurvedic methods, including patients from over 60 countries worldwide.
He observed that for a long time, ancient medical systems in the country were seen in silos, but in the past 10–11 years, there has been a major change in this approach. He emphasised that now healthcare services are being viewed with a holistic perspective, bringing Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Yoga under one umbrella, and for this purpose, the Ministry of Ayush was established.
He stated that the government has consistently focused on preventive health, launching the National Ayush Mission, opening more than 12,000 Ayush Wellness Centres that provide yoga, preventive care, and community health services.
He added that other hospitals across the country have also been connected with Ayush services, with attention given to the regular supply of Ayush medicines. The PM stated that the clear objective is to ensure that the benefits of India’s traditional medical knowledge reach people in every corner of the country.
Highlighting that the clear impact of government policies is visible in the AYUSH sector, with the AYUSH manufacturing sector growing rapidly and expanding, the PM highlighted that to take Indian traditional wellness to the world, the government has established the Ayush Export Promotion Council, aiming to promote AYUSH products and services in global markets, which is already showing very positive results. In 2014, India exported around Rs 3,000 crore worth of AYUSH and herbal products, whereas now exports have risen to Rs 6,500 crore, greatly benefiting the country’s farmers.
Underlining that India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based Medical Value Travel, he said steps like the introduction of the AYUSH Visa are helping foreign visitors access better facilities in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
The PM remarked that through Ayurveda, India has been treating people for centuries, but it has also been unfortunate that, within the country and largely abroad, efforts have been required to explain the importance of Ayurveda. He highlighted that a major reason for this has been the lack of evidence-based research and research papers, noting that when Ayurvedic methods are tested on the principles of science, public trust becomes stronger.