As the ancient practice of Ayurveda gains widespread acceptance across the globe, representatives from various countries converged at the 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) in Dehradun. The event aimed to explore ways to integrate this traditional Indian medicinal approach within their national healthcare systems.
At the WAC International Delegates Assembly (IDA), the participants applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his international endorsement of Ayurveda. They advocated for increased intergovernmental initiatives to facilitate its recognition as an alternative or complementary medical system. The assembly drew approximately 300 participants from a diverse range of nations.
Representatives from nations like Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Portugal, Poland, Argentina, and Brazil emphasized the rising interest in Ayurveda within their regions. Currently viewed only as a wellness lifestyle choice, they discussed the regulatory and bureaucratic obstacles impeding Ayurveda’s development and urged the World Ayurveda Foundation, organizers of WAC, for assistance in overcoming these barriers.
During the opening of the IDA, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Ayush Ministry’s secretary, expressed his department’s commitment to supporting global Ayurvedic initiatives. He highlighted the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 2022 with a hefty $250 million investment to elevate traditional medicinal systems’ worldwide status.
He called on global Ayurveda advocates to collaborate with the GTMC and the Ayush Ministry in tackling existing challenges.
“In Australia alone, the Ayurveda market is valued at $6.2 billion, despite the country’s modest population of 19 million,” shared Dr. Dileep Ghosh from the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University. The sector’s burgeoning growth faces media-driven opposition, especially after regulatory controversies such as Ayurveda herb bans in Europe.
In Brazil, Ayurveda practitioners number 4,000, classified legally as “therapists,” according to Dr. Jose Rugue. The president of the World Movement for Yoga and Ayurveda, associated with the Suddha Saba Yoga and Ayurveda Ashram, mentioned that Rio de Janeiro houses three ayurvedic centers undertaking limited research, which still doesn’t suffice given the demand.
Contrastingly, Dr. Harsha Gramminger highlighted the differing landscape in Germany, where Ayurveda is part of integrated treatments alongside conventional medicine. She spoke of established educational institutions and accomplishments, expressing a vision for broader hospital incorporation beyond dietary supplements.
Delegates from Nepal and Sri Lanka shared their optimism about Ayurveda’s progress within their borders. Dr. MG Sajeewani from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health pointed out the six university-affiliated Ayurvedic institutes. Meanwhile, Dr. Pushpa Raj Poudel from Nepal’s Health Ministry mentioned the country’s ancestral pharmacy legacy, underscoring society’s acceptance of Ayurveda.
The session also featured contributions from Dr. Vidhu Sharma and Ann Vlass (Australia), Dr. Shilpa Swar (Singapore), Dr. Kim Seok Jeong (South Korea), Dr. Shivani Sood (Poland), Dr. Gabriela Paleta (Portugal), and De Jorge Berra (Argentina).