SEP 27: On the occasion of the 10th National Ayurveda Day, the Ministry of Ayush inaugurated the Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre (IORCC) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal, Goa. This is the first centre of its kind in India, designed to integrate traditional medical systems with modern oncology to provide holistic, patient-centric cancer rehabilitation.
The virtual inauguration was graced by Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of Goa, along with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, Union Ministers Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
The IORCC integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, Diet Therapy, Panchakarma, and modern oncology treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The centre aims to support patients throughout their cancer journey, improving recovery, minimizing side effects, and enhancing immunity and quality of life.
Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized that the centre represents a landmark model for integrative cancer care, created in collaboration with ACTREC of Tata Memorial Centre, setting new standards not only in India but globally.
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the Ministry’s vision of establishing Centres of Excellence that combine traditional knowledge with modern biomedical sciences. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik added that the integrative rehabilitation model provides hope for families dealing with complex health challenges, including neurological and developmental disorders.
The centre is chaired by Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean, AIIA Goa, with Dr. Sanjay Khedekar as convener. Clinical experts, including noted oncologists and integrative medicine specialists, will lead patient care and research initiatives.
Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director, AIIA Delhi, noted that IORCC will develop validated protocols for safe and effective integrative cancer rehabilitation, while also serving as a hub for research, training, and innovation.
This initiative marks a major step in advancing evidence-informed integrative healthcare in India, blending the strengths of AYUSH systems and modern medicine for improved cancer outcomes.
