Health

AIIA Goa Marks 4th Foundation Day With Major Integrative Oncology Initiative


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The All-India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, under the Ministry of Ayush, celebrated its 4th Foundation Day with a significant milestone for integrative healthcare: a high-profile national workshop on the “Preparation of Integrative Protocol for Colorectal Carcinoma.” Eminent experts from various medical fields gathered to refine evidence-informed, collaborative treatment pathways in integrative oncology. Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA; Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa; and Dr. Vinayak Chakor, Deputy Medical Superintendent, addressed the media and outlined the institute’s advancements on this special occasion.

AIIA Goa announced yet another major achievement—its NABH accreditation, an endorsement of the institute’s commitment to world-class quality, patient safety, and robust healthcare delivery. With this, along with newly inaugurated facilities, AIIA Goa now operates 25 multidisciplinary OPDs, including dedicated units for Manasrog Chikitsa, De-addiction, Swastha Rakshan, Diabetes, Casualty, and Critical Care, showcasing its mission to blend classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific technologies. Prof. Prajapati also highlighted outcomes from the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, where safety and evidence-based Ayurveda, especially Ashwagandha, were at the forefront of global discussions. The summit is expected to guide the next decade of integrating traditional and indigenous medicines into national health systems worldwide.

Prof. Sujata Kadam shared that, as part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the institute inaugurated two new OPDs—Health Assessment Screening and Dental OPD—along with fully equipped Kayachikitsa and Kaumarbhritya Panchakarma Theatres and an expanded IPD facility. She added that patient services have grown significantly, with over 800 OPD visitors daily, all receiving Ayurvedic medicines free of cost. Since inception, AIIA Goa has recorded over 5.25 lakh OPD footfall, 31,000 IPD admissions, around 77,200 Panchakarma procedures, and more than 1,35,000 radiology and laboratory investigations.

Under Medical Value Travel and Wellness Tourism initiatives, AIIA Goa has provided OPD services to 233 international patients and IPD care to 16 foreign nationals. The institute has also conducted more than 40,400 health camps, including general, disease-specific, school health check-ups, and Suvarnaprashan camps. On the academic front, the institute currently accommodates four undergraduate batches of 100 students each and has expanded its postgraduate education with new scholars joining in November 2025 across specialties including Dravya Guna, Rog Nidan, Kayachikitsa, Kaumarbhritya, and Panchakarma. AIIA Goa also offers an Ayurveda Dietician Course and a Panchakarma Technician Course, building workforce capacity in traditional medicine.

AIIA Goa has strengthened its institutional reach through strategic collaborations. Key partnerships include the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, to promote wellness and medical tourism; CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography to explore research and knowledge exchange; BITS Pilani Goa for joint research and academic collaboration; the Goa State Biodiversity Board for conservation and documentation of biodiversity; and the Goa Institute of Management for healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary studies. A tripartite MoU between AIIA Goa, the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa, and ATREC, Tata Memorial Centre, aims to advance integrative cancer care through research, treatment, and education.

With these expanding services, academic strides, global-facing collaborations, and a strong commitment to evidence-based Ayurveda, AIIA Goa reaffirmed its dedication to transforming healthcare and positioning itself as a global leader in integrative medicine.

Health

Goa Advances as Hub for Integrative Oncology: AIIA Hosts Second Stakeholder Deliberation Meeting


Dhargal, Goa – August 2025: In a defining moment for the future of holistic cancer care in India, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, successfully hosted the Second Stakeholder Deliberation Meeting on Integrative Oncology at its Dhargal campus. The meeting, in collaboration with the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, is set to position Goa as a national model for integrative oncology.

The meeting was opened by Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa, and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director of ACTREC – Tata Memorial Centre. The event brought together experts from modern oncology, Ayurveda, digital health, research, and policy-making, reflecting a true multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare.

  • Dr. Vikram Gota presented ACTREC’s initiatives in collaborative research and digital integration for oncology.
  • Dr. Sujata Kadam outlined AIIA’s infrastructure and implementation plan for an integrative cancer care framework.
  • Dr. Anura Bale discussed medicinal plant cultivation strategies for therapeutic support.
  • Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Oncologist, proposed a joint tumor board merging modern and AYUSH oncologists.
  • Dr. Devdutt M. Sail introduced the vision of a National Integrative Oncology Grid to unify protocols and standardize practices.

The day also included the formation of committees, protocol discussions, and an institutional audit of AIIA Dhargal by ACTREC, DHS, and Goa Medical College.

In the evening, a high-level session at the Secretariat, Porvorim, was led by:

  • Dr. Mahesh Verlekar, Nodal Officer, NAM
  • Dr. Sujata Kadam, AIIA Goa
  • Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, ACTREC
  • Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Oncologist

Arun Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Health, assured the Government of Goa’s full support for the initiative, stating that integrative oncology can redefine patient care and position Goa as a leader in evidence-based, patient-centric cancer treatment.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, commended the efforts and announced plans for an “Integrative Oncology Mission”, calling it a critical step toward holistic, accessible cancer treatment. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to this mission, outlining policy direction, institutional support, and resource mobilisation.

The meeting saw active participation from policymakers, administrators, academic leaders, and clinicians, including:

  • Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre (virtual)
  • Dr. Yoguesh Bandale, Chairman, Rasayu Group (virtual)
  • Trupti Manerkar, Joint Secretary (Health)
  • Dr. Pooja Madkaikar, Director, Admin DHS
  • Dr. Nilesh Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurved College
  • Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President, Goa Ayurveda Council
  • Dr. Manohar Gundeti, CARI, Mumbai
  • Dr. Sandip Sardesai, Goa Medical College
  • Dr. Vinayak Tembhurnikar, NIMA
  • Dr. Avinash Kadam, CSO, Rasayu Group

Their contributions enriched the discussions with diverse insights on education, clinical practices, research protocols, and policy alignment.

📍 Host: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal
🤝 In Partnership With: ACTREC – Tata Memorial Centre
🗓️ Event: Second Stakeholder Deliberation on Integrative Oncology
🗣️ Chief Guest: Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa

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All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa Conducts ‘Harit Yoga’ Activities at Heritage Sites


Goa | June 2025 — In a harmonious blend of wellness, nature, and heritage, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, conducted a series of ‘Harit Yoga’ activities across several iconic heritage locations in Goa. The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign to promote environmental consciousness, traditional wellness practices, and cultural preservation through the ancient art of Yoga.

Heritage Meets Holistic Health

The Harit Yoga campaign, which integrates Yoga and environmental awareness, was carried out at Goa’s celebrated heritage sites including temples, forts, and historic coastal spots. Participants included Ayurveda students, yoga instructors, local residents, and tourists, all coming together to practice yoga in green, open-air, culturally rich environments.

AIIA officials emphasized the importance of connecting India’s ancient healing systems with its natural and cultural landscapes, encouraging people to view health through a holistic and sustainable lens.


Objectives of the ‘Harit Yoga’ Activities

🌿 Promote Green Living – Inspiring communities to adopt eco-friendly practices through mindful living and nature-based routines.

🧘‍♂️ Encourage Outdoor Yoga – Taking yoga beyond studios into spaces where cultural heritage and natural beauty coexist.

🏛️ Raise Awareness of Heritage Conservation – Highlighting the need to protect India’s historical landmarks while using them as serene venues for public wellness.

♻️ Support Swasthya and Sanskriti (Health and Heritage) – Bridging Ayurveda, Yoga, and India’s diverse cultural traditions in an inclusive public outreach model.


Highlights from the Sessions:

  • Morning yoga practices set against the scenic backdrops of heritage structures
  • Guided sessions led by certified yoga instructors and AIIA faculty
  • Short talks on Ayurvedic lifestyle, seasonal wellness, and environmental stewardship
  • Distribution of herbal saplings and eco-friendly wellness kits
  • Interactive discussions on the role of traditional health systems in modern sustainable living

“Harit Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It’s a spiritual and ecological alignment—connecting the body, mind, and environment,” said a senior faculty member from AIIA Goa.


Broader Impact and Future Plans

The initiative received strong community participation and was praised for innovatively combining cultural education, wellness outreach, and environmental action. The All India Institute of Ayurveda aims to continue such activities across other parts of Goa and extend the model to other states in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH.

As India gears up for International Day of Yoga, campaigns like Harit Yoga not only encourage the practice of yoga but also nurture a deeper respect for India’s natural and historical legacy.