Written by Intern Bencia Costa ||Team Allycaral
MARGAO: The Ayurveda and Indian Systems of Medicine fraternity in Goa, in association with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, convened a press conference at Hotel Laxmi Empire to highlight the historic announcement made in the Goa State Budget 2026 regarding the formation of a dedicated Department/Ministry for AYUSH in the state.
The announcement, made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, was described by the fraternity as a significant step toward giving an independent identity and institutional strength to Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems in Goa.
Welcoming members of the press, Dr. Devdutt Sail stated that the creation of a separate Ministry for AYUSH marks a commendable and progressive decision that will strengthen the role of Ayurveda and allied systems of medicine within the state’s healthcare framework.
Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Other Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, congratulated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for the initiative. She noted that the Chief Minister has consistently addressed the needs and concerns of the AYUSH sector in Goa. According to her, initiatives such as the implementation of a dedicated State Wellness Policy and enhanced treatment coverage under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) have significantly strengthened the sector.
Dr. Nilesh Korde, Principal of Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, stated that the Government of Goa under the leadership of Pramod Sawant has taken sustained efforts to integrate Ayurveda into the mainstream healthcare system. He added that these efforts have led to growing academic excellence, improved research opportunities, and stronger institutional development within the AYUSH sector in Goa.
Dr. Dharmendra Prabhudesai, President of the Goa Ayurveda Association, said that the decision to establish a separate ministry for AYUSH will greatly promote Ayurveda and allied systems of medicine in the state. He noted that such an administrative structure will provide the sector with the policy focus and institutional support required for further growth and development.
Speaking about the Integrative Oncology initiative, Dr. Devdutt Sail explained that the Government of Goa, under the leadership of Pramod Sawant, facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tata Memorial Centre, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (Goa), and the Directorate of Health Services. Under this initiative, a joint clinic has been established where doctors from different systems of medicine collaborate to consult and manage cancer patients, marking an important step toward integrative healthcare delivery. He also noted that budgetary allocations have been earmarked in the current state budget to further strengthen and expand this initiative.
The speakers collectively expressed their appreciation to the Government of Goa and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for recognising the importance of Ayurveda and AYUSH systems in the state’s healthcare ecosystem. They also reaffirmed their commitment to work collaboratively toward advancing education, research, healthcare delivery, and industry development in the AYUSH sector in Goa.
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