SEP 24:Minister Sakeena Itoo addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations with a strong call for enhanced public awareness on the holistic benefits of Ayurveda across Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized the importance of Ayurveda as not just an alternative, but a time-tested, natural healthcare system that focuses on prevention and overall well-being.
Highlighting the rich legacy of Ayurvedic medicine, she said that greater public engagement and education are essential to promote its integration into mainstream healthcare. “Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine, it is a way of life rooted in balance, wellness, and harmony with nature,” the Minister said.
She underlined the need for targeted awareness campaigns throughout the Union Territory to educate people about the preventive and curative aspects of Ayurveda. These campaigns, she said, should reach rural and urban populations alike, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Minister Itoo also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the central and UT governments in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly under the Ayush mission. She noted that the establishment of Ayush health and wellness centres and the integration of traditional medicine systems into primary health services are major steps towards achieving comprehensive healthcare for the people.
Furthermore, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the growing popularity and acceptance of Ayurvedic treatments, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which rekindled interest in immunity-boosting and preventive healthcare methods.
She encouraged healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and Ayush practitioners to collaborate on research and public outreach to strengthen the scientific understanding and credibility of Ayurveda. She also stressed the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and combining it with modern research for greater efficacy and trust.
In conclusion, Minister Sakeena Itoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting Ayurveda as a vital component of the public health system and called for collective efforts to make Ayurvedic healthcare more accessible, affordable, and widely accepted across Jammu and Kashmir.
