New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, on Thursday said that the Ayush sector will play a decisive role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as he inaugurated the two-day “Chintan Shivir 2026” in the national capital.

Emphasising the growing importance of traditional systems of medicine, Jadhav said the Chintan Shivir reflects the government’s strong resolve to strengthen policy direction and ensure effective implementation across the Ayush ecosystem.

“Building on the foundation of the first conclave, the current edition aims to review progress, identify gaps, and chart a practical and future-ready roadmap for the sector,” he noted.

Highlighting the increasing relevance of Ayush in tackling lifestyle-related disorders, the minister said its holistic approach aligns with the broader global vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” and India’s push for “Heal in India, Heal by India.”

He also underlined that higher budgetary allocations demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing education, research, infrastructure, and global outreach in the sector.

Jadhav stressed the need to focus on evidence-based research, inter-ministerial convergence, and a whole-of-government approach.

He also called for greater emphasis on innovation, digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and public awareness, urging stakeholders to ensure that policy discussions translate into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.

Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said the Chintan Shivir provides a crucial platform to review progress and shape the future roadmap of the sector.

“The ministry is working towards integrating traditional knowledge with modern science while strengthening research, global collaboration, and public outreach,” he added.

Joint Secretary Alarmelmangai D. highlighted that the event fosters collaborative policymaking and meaningful dialogue.

A key highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the General Insurance Council.

The agreement is expected to expand insurance coverage and improve claim settlement mechanisms for Ayush treatments.

The MoU was exchanged between Prof. P.K. Prajapati and Kasturi Sengupta in the presence of the minister.

–IANS

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