Ayush’s Global Rise: From $3 Million to $24 Million in Less Than a Decade
Introduction
The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, themed “Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel,” was inaugurated today in Mumbai. This landmark event aims to establish India as a leading global destination for health and wellness tourism by showcasing the country’s rich traditions of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush).
Summit Inauguration and Vision
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated the summit. He emphasized that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ayush has achieved global recognition and has become an integral part of India’s healthcare system. The summit was organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, and other key partners.
The summit focuses on promoting India’s holistic health practices and making the country a global leader in health tourism. Shri Jadhav highlighted that Ayush has now been integrated into top healthcare institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and defense hospitals, showing the government’s commitment to natural and evidence-based healing.
Facts and Growth Statistics
During the summit, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, presented compelling statistics about the exponential growth of the Ayush sector:
- In 2014, the Ayush industry was valued at $3 million.
- By 2020, this figure had expanded to $18.1 million, representing a sixfold increase within six years.
- The latest projections for 2023 estimate that the sector will reach $24 million, marking an eightfold growth compared to 2014.
These figures underscore the rising global demand for Ayush and its rapid integration into mainstream healthcare systems worldwide.
Upcoming Nationwide Events and the Goal to Reach 1 Crore Households
The summit in Mumbai is the first in a series of events aimed at promoting Ayush practices across the nation. It will be followed by similar gatherings in Bhubaneswar and a grand finale in Delhi. The culmination of these efforts is the launch of a nationwide campaign targeting 1 crore (10 million) households under the initiative “Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan – Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved” in celebration of Ayurveda Day.
This campaign aims to bring Ayurvedic health practices to the doorstep of every Indian household, fostering a greater understanding and adoption of natural healthcare methods.
Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center and Women’s Health Check Initiative
In a significant move to make Ayush more accessible, the first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center will be inaugurated on October 9. This center will play a crucial role in integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare by providing Ayush products at affordable rates. Additionally, a nationwide “Women’s Health Check” initiative is being launched to promote awareness and encourage women to adopt Ayurvedic practices for better health and well-being.
Ministry and University Proposal
During his address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav mentioned his proposal to establish a dedicated Ayush Ministry and an Ayush University in Maharashtra, a move that would strengthen the state’s role in the promotion and education of Ayush practices. This effort aligns with the growing interest in making Ayush services more accessible at the grassroots level.
He further emphasized that Ayush treatments are particularly effective in tackling prevalent health issues such as diabetes and liver diseases, with the goal of providing evidence-based treatments to communities at the block and tehsil levels across India.
Promoting Ayush Medical Tourism
Shri Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu) at the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the importance of collaboration to boost Ayush-based medical tourism. Over 650 participants attended the summit, demonstrating the strong interest and commitment to integrating Ayush into health tourism. He announced that the Ministry of Ayush had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Ayush and medical value travel, with support from the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
Dr. Nesari urged state governments to work closely with tourism departments to enhance the promotion of Ayurvedic wellness travel and ancient sites, aiming to increase Ayush-based medical tourism in India. This initiative encourages stakeholders—such as tour operators, insurance providers, and hospitality leaders—to unite in leveraging government programs and support.
Ayush’s Expanding Global Reach
India’s traditional healing practices are gaining popularity worldwide. With a steady increase in the number of international tourists seeking Ayush treatments, it is evident that India is becoming a preferred destination for holistic wellness. The Ministry of Ayush’s efforts have expanded the global reach of Ayush services, significantly boosting the sector’s presence in international markets.
As mentioned, the sector’s value grew from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1 million in 2020. The projected valuation of $24 million by 2023 is a testament to Ayush’s potential in the global health and wellness tourism market.
Key Initiatives and Government Support for Ayush Integration:
The government’s dedication to promoting Ayush is evident in its various initiatives:
- Integration of Ayush practices in AIIMS and defense hospitals nationwide.
- Inauguration of Ayush centers to make treatments affordable and accessible, with the goal of providing free Ayush healthcare services to government employees.
- Launch of the “Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan – Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved” campaign targeting 1 crore households, which aims to familiarize the public with Ayurvedic health practices.
Conclusion
The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 signifies a giant leap forward in promoting India as a global leader in health and wellness tourism. With a clear focus on providing comprehensive health solutions that encompass physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Ayush is transforming healthcare in India and around the world.
The summit’s initiatives, supported by impressive growth figures and concrete plans, highlight the sector’s potential to achieve even greater heights. The upcoming events in Bhubaneswar and Delhi, and the efforts to reach 1 crore households on Ayurveda Day, underline India’s vision to make Ayush an integral part of health and wellness tourism.
By combining ancient wisdom with modern practices, India is not just preserving its rich heritage but is also setting an example for holistic health solutions globally. The Ayush sector’s growth from $3 million in 2014 to an expected $24 million by 2023 showcases the immense opportunities that lie ahead.
