Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated “Chintan Shivir 2026” today in New Delhi. The 2-day strategic brainstorming event will witness various sessions dedicated to diverse Ayush domains and is scheduled to conclude on April 17, 2026, to discuss key policies, strengthen institutions, and plan the future of the Ayush sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that the Chintan Shivir reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen policy direction and effective implementation in the Ayush sector. Building on the foundation of the first Shivir, he noted that the current conclave aims to review progress, identify gaps, and chart a practical, future-ready roadmap.
He also highlighted the growing relevance of Ayush in addressing lifestyle disorders through its holistic approach, aligned with the vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” and the call for “Heal in India, Heal by India.” Shri Jadhav underlined that increased budgetary allocation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening education, research, infrastructure, and global outreach in the Ayush sector.
He emphasised the need for evidence-based research, inter-ministerial convergence, and a whole-of-government approach, while calling for greater focus on innovation, digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and public awareness. Urging stakeholders to translate deliberations into actionable outcomes at the grassroots level, he expressed confidence that Ayush will play a key role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the Chintan Shivir serves as a key platform for reviewing progress and shaping the future roadmap of the Ayush sector. He noted that, under the guidance of Prataprao Jadhav, the Ministry is advancing Ayush through integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, alongside strengthening research, global collaboration and public outreach.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations will translate into actionable, time-bound outcomes contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Smt. Alarmelmangai D. highlighted that the Shivir enables meaningful dialogue and collaborative policymaking.
She noted that Ayush has emerged as a significant pillar of healthcare with growing national and global recognition, and emphasised the importance of strengthening research, innovation, and institutional capacities. She also underscored the role of young professionals and researchers in advancing the sector.
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and the General Insurance Council, marking a significant step towards expanding insurance coverage and improving claim settlement mechanisms for Ayush treatments.
Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director, AIIA and Kasturi Sengupta, Secretary General, General Insurance Council, exchanged the MoU in the gracious presence of the Union Ayush Minister. Prof. Bejon K. Misra, EC Member of the GI Council, also joined the ceremony, during which he thanked the Minister for his continued support and guidance, leading to remarkable progress in the area.
Further, the Union Ayush Minister launched the Ministry's official WhatsApp channel to facilitate real-time communication and citizen engagement. Additionally, the document titled ‘Revision of Benchmark Rates for Insurance Coverage of Ayush Treatments and Settlement of Claims of Various Therapies/Interventions’ was released, aimed at enhancing transparency, affordability, and standardisation in Ayush healthcare services.
The ministry also released a toll-free number (1800-11-0008) for Ayush insurance. Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyaya, Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of Ayush, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to distinguished dignitaries, experts, and participants for their valuable presence and insightful contributions.
He acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders in making the inaugural session a success and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to translating the deliberations of the Chintan Shivir into impactful outcomes for the growth and strengthening of the Ayush sector.
The first day of the event featured three thematic sessions focusing on critical aspects of the sector. The opening session reviewed the progress and actions taken on the outcomes of the first Chintan Shivir held in 2023, setting the tone for future policy direction.
The 2nd session, “Tradition to Translation: Strengthening Evidence, Innovation and Global Partnerships”, emphasised the need to bridge traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific validation and global collaboration. The third session on “Litigation Management and Legal Preparedness in Ayush” addressed regulatory frameworks and the importance of legal readiness in supporting the sector’s expansion.