Karnataka Government Plans to Integrate Ayush Wellness and Panchakarma in State Hospitals
In a significant move toward holistic healthcare, Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has announced that the state government will soon develop comprehensive plans to introduce wellness concepts and Panchakarma treatments from the Ayush system into government hospitals across Karnataka. This initiative aims to blend traditional Indian medicine with modern healthcare infrastructure, providing citizens with more diverse and preventive treatment options.
Minister's Announcement at Ayush Habba 2026
The announcement was made during the two-day Ayush Habba 2026 event, organized by the Dakshina Kannada Ayush department in collaboration with Ayush Hospitals and Colleges, the Ayush Foundation, and other organizations. The event took place at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangaluru on Saturday, drawing attention to the growing importance of traditional medicine systems.
Minister Rao emphasized his personal commitment to promoting Ayush medicines in the state, stating, "Being the health minister, I have actively promoted Ayush medicines, and now we are exploring ways to further integrate Panchakarma and wellness concepts through our department." He highlighted that special initiatives are being taken to advance this vision, with plans to introduce Ayurveda and other Indian medicine treatments in general hospitals under a dedicated scheme focused on wellness.
Benefits of Ayush System for Preventive Healthcare
Rao stressed that promoting and protecting the Ayush system is crucial in today's healthcare landscape. He pointed out that the young generation, in particular, can benefit physically and mentally from these traditional practices. "The advantages offered by Ayush are not fully replicable in allopathy. While allopathy remains a strong pillar of medicine, the Ayush system excels in preventive care, delivering better results in this area," he explained.
The minister called for increased awareness about Ayush, noting that it encompasses various branches such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, and Yoga. He believes that broader knowledge and adoption of these systems can lead to improved public health outcomes, especially in preventive medicine.
Purpose and Impact of Ayush Habba 2026
The Ayush Habba 2026 festival serves as a platform to promote the use of ancient Indian medicine systems and raise awareness among the people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Its main objectives include:
- Educating participants on how to effectively incorporate Ayush into their daily lifestyles.
- Highlighting the numerous benefits associated with Ayush practices.
- Providing in-depth knowledge through exhibitions that showcase the richness of Indian medicine.
Minister Rao praised the efforts of the Ayush community for organizing the event, acknowledging that such initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap between traditional and modern healthcare. By fostering greater understanding and acceptance, the government hopes to make Ayush an integral part of Karnataka's healthcare strategy, ultimately enhancing wellness and preventive care for all residents.
