Smt. K. K. Shailaja Teacher, Hon’ble Minister for Health,

Shri V. Sasi, Deputy Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly,

Shri V.K. Madhu, President, District Panchayat,

Dr. M.K.C. Nair, Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University of Health Science, Thrissur,

Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade IAS, Principal Secretary, Health, Family Welfare and Ayush,

Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush,

Shri Keshvendra Kumar IAS, State Mission Director,

Dr. Anitha Jacob, Director, Indian System of Medicine,

Dear Delegates,Friends in the Media,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

I am very happy to inaugurate the First International AYUSH Conclave and the Arogya Expo and International Trade Fair, organized by the Department of Ayush, Government of Kerala.

Let me at the outset, compliment the Department of Ayush for initiating this venture to showcase the growth and scientific development of AYUSH systems of medicine in Kerala and to enhance its grassroots presence in the State. I am happy that the National Ayush Mission Kerala is supporting this Conclave which hopes to create awareness about the people's health activities through AYUSH system.

As we are aware, the history of indigenous Indian medical science is as old as the Indus Valley Civilization and that Ayurveda, which is known as the Science of life, is based on fundamental philosophies about life, disease and health. We also have Siddha - which is very popular in Tamil Nadu, Unani, Homeopathy, Naturopathy etc., which along with Ayurveda comprise the Indian systems of Medicine.

Ayurvedaand other indigenous medicinal systems have come a long way, modernizing themselves and providing wellness to people not only in India but in other places too. But, surprisingly, such modern developments in Ayurveda and other indigenous medicinal systems are not very popular because of the notion that the term 'modern' applies only to Allopathic stream of medicine.  This situation can be changed only if we have more authentic avenues for research in Ayurvedic and other native systems of medicine.

Fortunately, the National Health Policy of 2017, which has rightly considered the scope of Ayurveda and other Indian systems of Medicine, has given priority to main-stream the potential of Ayush. The policy ensures access to Ayush by placing indigenous medical facilities along with modern systems.  It also recognizes the need to standardize and validate Ayurveda and other medicines and to establish an effective quality control mechanism for drugs.

The Government of Kerala has also taken serious policy decisions to cure the deficiencies in the AYUSH system. It is laudable that separate departments have been created for Indian Systems of Medicines and Homoeopathy, and they have been accepted as alternative systems in the healthcare. I hope that the International Research Institute of Ayurveda being set up in the north Kerala, will become the flagship centre of research in Ayurveda in the world. Kerala's lead role in establishing the strength of Indian systems of Medicine is evident in the State having AYUSH dispensaries in every Panchayat and district.

The Health Policy of Kerala also has very good proposals for the development of Ayush systems. Strengthening the existing Government Ayurveda Dispensaries by making them Primary Health Centers with modern facilities and the establishment of Ayurvedic wellness centers that incorporate Yoga are some of the suggestions. Similar proposals are seen in Homeopathy and Siddha also.

I must also mention that the major Ayurveda firms in Kerala have modern divisions for research and development and quality control. This points to the keen interest in preserving   tradition as well as in taking the science of healing to new levels of perfection and service. Kerala has also gone ahead in Wellness Tourism. In fact, the Kerala Model in Ayurvedic tourism is a great example of how traditional medicine, natural beauty and cultural assets of a location can be blended and marketed to the world.  I understand that the Government of India   could promote and replicate this model in other States like Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.

I am certain that the Indian wellness industry can also take advantage of our inherent strengths in Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation by showcasing them at the world renowned tourist attractions and heritage sites. We only need an innovative packaging that communicates the strength of our heritage through such initiatives which integrate tourism with Ayurvedic and other Indian systems of treatment.

In this context, this Ayush conclave and the Arogya Expo are excellent opportunities for us to share with the world Kerala's expertise and potential in Wellness treatment and other areas. I hope the Conclave would help to integrate and   consolidate the latest innovations in the AYUSH system of treatment. I understand that the Conclave has different sessions like Herbal Bazar, AYUSH Health Travel Bazar, Health food Festival, AYUSH Solidarity Meet, AYUSH Start-up Conclave, Good Food Conclave, Farmers' Meet etc. I am particularly happy that the Conclave gives due recognition to the contribution of ‘Hortus Malabaricus’, the classical book on the plant wealth of Kerala, which was published in English and Malayalam for the first time by the University of Kerala.

In conclusion, I would like to mention about the need for more avenues for research in Ayurvedic and other native systems of medicine. Institutions imparting Ayush education should come forward to encourage research by attracting more professionals to advanced studies. I hope this Conclave would also give a thought about sponsoring research projects in the Ayush system.

I greet all the delegates, researchers and entrepreneurs attending this Conclave and wish them all the best. I sincerely hope that their efforts would help vitalize the AYUSH system in the State.

I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

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