Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said preventive and promotive approach of our traditional health care systems has played a significant role in modern age, proving itself to be instrumental in a crisis such as the Covid pandemic.

In his address after inaugurating the Vivekananda Cancer and Super Speciality Extension Hospital of Vivekanand Medical Foundation and Research Centre in Maharashtra’s Latur, the minister stressed that the world has many health models, however India must strengthen its own health model aligned with Indian genetics, and focus on continental patterns of diseases relevant to its geography.

“We must reflect on our roots and traditional ways of living inherent in the lifestyle, food that was that norm in those days, and therein we will find solutions to many of the health issues prevalent today,” he said.

Citing the increase in cancer and mental health patients over the last five years, Mandaviya said, “Traditional systems of living and food provide many medicinal insights and can play a pivotal role in mitigation of these alarming changes in health care scenarios.”

He said that India’s heritage and roots underlying India’s health model carry the knowledge to counter and treat various illnesses.”

The minister further said,“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government strives to foster equality in healthcare services, striving to make them affordable and accessible through a multitude of healthcare initiatives ensuring last-mile delivery.”

Lauding the commitment of Indian healthcare professionals towards providing service to humanity, Mandaviya said this tradition is rooted in our age-old culture which is now recognised by the world.

“The Covid crisis has shown the world not only India’s strengths in the medical and pharmaceutical sector but also its values of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” he added.

Reiterating that health is perceived as a service in India, the minister highlighted that the nation aspires to create a people-centric, value-based system of healthcare.

“Our culture taught us to serve people. Health is not a commerce but a service which is inherent in our culture,” said Mandaviya.

Underscoring India’s contribution and promotion of health services to the world, the minister said, “Three out of 10 medical research professionals abroad are Indians. India’s medical and healthcare services extend beyond our borders, embracing the entire world.”

“Our goal is to work holistically in the health sector with synergy between preventive healthcare and modern medical facilities and lead the momentum with Jan Andolan initiatives to ensure that healthcare reaches all in the nation,” he added.