The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, has called on States and Union Territories to step up efforts to build a stronger, accessible and people-focused Ayush healthcare system across India.
Jadhav made the remarks while addressing the National Workshop on ‘Strengthening the Ayush Ecosystem in States and Union Territories’, organised by NITI Aayog at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad. The workshop brought together senior officials from the Centre, representatives from more than 30 States and Union Territories, and experts from various institutions to discuss ways to improve the delivery and effectiveness of Ayush services.
Prataprao Jadhav Calls for Stronger Ayush Healthcare Network
Addressing the gathering, Jadhav stressed that closer coordination between the Union Government, States and Union Territories is vital for expanding the reach of Ayush systems.
He highlighted the need to place people at the centre of healthcare delivery while simultaneously ensuring quality, accessibility and effectiveness. According to the Minister, coordinated action among different levels of government can help Ayush services respond more effectively to the changing healthcare requirements of the population.
The workshop provided an opportunity to examine how existing systems can be strengthened and how successful initiatives from different parts of the country can be replicated to improve service delivery.
Focus on Accessibility, Quality and People-Centric Services
Jadhav underlined that accessibility and quality must remain key priorities while expanding Ayush healthcare.
He called for greater attention to ensuring that people can access reliable Ayush services, particularly through effective implementation at the grassroots level. Strengthening service delivery mechanisms, building institutional capacity and improving coordination were among the broader priorities highlighted during the discussions.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of States and Union Territories in translating national-level policies and initiatives into effective healthcare services for citizens.
NITI Aayog Highlights Technology-Driven Approach
Prof. (Dr.) M. Srinivas, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, highlighted the growing importance of technology and evidence in developing modern integrative healthcare systems.
He pointed to the potential of technology-integrated and evidence-based approaches to improve healthcare outcomes. Such methods can support more effective decision-making, strengthen healthcare delivery and encourage greater integration across different areas of the health sector.
The discussions reflected the importance of combining traditional healthcare knowledge with contemporary approaches to research, technology and evidence-based practices.
States and UTs Have Key Role in Ayush Expansion
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, emphasised the important responsibility of States and Union Territories in strengthening the Ayush ecosystem.
He stressed that effective implementation at the local level is essential for ensuring that Ayush initiatives deliver tangible benefits to citizens. State and UT administrations have a crucial role in developing mechanisms that can improve the reach and delivery of services within communities.
The workshop therefore focused not only on policy-level discussions but also on practical approaches to improving implementation and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Experts Discuss Education, Research and Capacity Building
A wide range of issues related to the Ayush ecosystem were discussed during the workshop. These included healthcare delivery, education, research, capacity building and integration with the wider healthcare system.
Participants exchanged experiences and highlighted successful practices adopted in different regions. The sharing of such experiences was aimed at encouraging collaboration and identifying approaches that could be adapted to address challenges in other States and Union Territories.
Research and education were also recognised as important pillars for developing a stronger ecosystem. Building professional capabilities and strengthening knowledge-based systems can contribute to the long-term growth of Ayush healthcare.
Centre-State Partnership Crucial for Holistic Healthcare
The deliberations reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation between the Centre, States and Union Territories in strengthening Ayush services.
A coordinated approach can help improve accessibility, encourage innovation and support more effective implementation of healthcare programmes. It can also help integrate systems more effectively with the broader healthcare framework.
The workshop concluded with a renewed emphasis on developing a stronger, accessible and people-centric Ayush ecosystem. The discussions supported the broader vision of advancing holistic and integrated healthcare while ensuring that citizens remain at the heart of service delivery.
With States and Union Territories playing a central role in implementation, stronger Centre-State collaboration is expected to remain an important element in expanding the reach and impact of services across India.
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