Expressnews
Chennai, 26 May 2025 – The South Regional Summit on Ayush Medical Value Travel, held today at the Hilton Chennai, marks a significant step towards fulfilling Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of establishing the country as a global centre for holistic and integrative healthcare.
Under the theme ‘Ayush Medical Value Travel – Promoting Wellness, Strengthening Global Ties’, the summit highlights India’s expanding role in meeting the rising global demand for natural, preventative, and patient-centred health solutions. Southern India, with its rich heritage of Panchakarma centres in Kerala, Siddha and naturopathy institutions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, alongside growing research and wellness infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry, stands as a model for holistic care across the nation.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC) Ministry of Ayush, emphasised the importance of India’s traditional systems—Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, and Homeopathy—in a post-pandemic world that increasingly values safe, scientifically backed, and sustainable health approaches. He urged all states to develop wellness models that are both culturally rooted and globally relevant, strengthening India’s leadership in Ayush-based Medical Value Travel and contributing to global health and economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Sri Satya Kumar Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives in strengthening India’s position as a global wellness hub.
Speaking at the event, Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, remarked: “Ayush-based Medical Value Travel is a key pillar of India’s strategy to promote integrative, patient-centric healthcare globally. We are enabling easier access for international patients seeking traditional treatments. Focusing on quality assurance, clinical standardization, and digital integration, the Southern States provide a strong foundation with their rich Ayush heritage.The summit fosters collaboration between state governments, industry leaders, and healthcare providers to expand Ayush-based Medical Value Travel. This initiative not only aims to attract international patients but also to create a sustainable and integrative healthcare ecosystem that blends India’s traditional healing wisdom with modern delivery systems.
The South Regional Summit witnessed robust participation, with 436 registered delegates representing diverse sectors across the Ayush and wellness ecosystem.
These included 68 delegates from Ayush healthcare centres, 48 from Ayush colleges and research institutes, 36 from health tech startups, 27 professionals in medical tourism, 29 wellness travel facilitators, 16 media and wellness influencers, and 14 delegates from retreats, spas, and wellness resorts, alongside representatives from other sectors.
The inaugural session featured key addresses by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush; Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Srinivas Rao Chinta, Joint Advisor (H), Ministry of Ayush; and Mr. Arvind Varchaswi, Co-Chair, FICCI Ayush Committee. The summit’s sessions explored government strategies and industry perspectives, with participation from senior officials of southern states and thought leaders from reputed organisations including Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Dr.JRK’s Pharmaceuticals, Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, SKM Siddha & Ayurveda, Niraamaya Retreats, and Meitra & Viia. These discussions underscored the collaborative momentum required to position India as a premier global destination for traditional healing and holistic wellness.
The event concluded with a call to action to set new benchmarks in quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, ensuring that the healing touch of Ayush reaches the global community.
