In a bold push towards comprehensive healthcare, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel emphasized the transformative power of integrating AYUSH systems with modern medicine to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking on the third day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, UAE, Patel highlighted the urgent need to shift healthcare systems from a treatment-focused model to one emphasizing prevention and long-term wellness.
Addressing the session titled ‘From Policy to Practice: Investing in the Future of Integrative Medicine,’ the minister pointed to alarming trends fueling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health issues, and lifestyle disorders. Rapid urbanization, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and chronic stress are overwhelming public health infrastructures worldwide. ‘Periodic treatment alone cannot suffice,’ she asserted, advocating for a holistic approach.
Patel underscored India’s pioneering role in blending ancient AYUSH wisdom—encompassing Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—with cutting-edge scientific medicine. This strategic integration fosters a robust, people-centric ecosystem aligned perfectly with UHC goals. ‘Coordinating AYUSH with modern public health frameworks is key to building resilient, preventive health models,’ she stated.
Drawing on World Health Organization data, Patel noted that traditional medicine systems are culturally accepted in 88% of WHO member states. In India, this vision is institutionalized through the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, which provides a solid foundation for integrated services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
At the grassroots, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide offer yoga, wellness, and AYUSH treatments. Secondary care features dedicated AYUSH blocks, while tertiary institutions are establishing specialized integrative units. Medical education curricula now incorporate traditional systems, ensuring evidence-based scalability.
Patel’s remarks signal a global call to action, positioning integrative medicine as a cornerstone for sustainable health equity. As nations grapple with rising disease burdens, India’s model offers a blueprint for accessible, affordable, and effective care for all.