Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a panel discussion on International Wellness in Panaji, in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and several eminent Ayurveda practitioners and wellness experts.
The discussion focused on the growing global relevance of India’s traditional systems of medicine and wellness, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Speakers highlighted the importance of integrating these time-tested practices into modern lifestyles to promote holistic health and preventive care.
The panel discussion reflected the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking Yoga and Ayurveda to every household, while encouraging wider awareness and adoption of India’s traditional knowledge systems across the world. Emphasis was laid on positioning India as a global hub for wellness and holistic healthcare.
It was also highlighted during the discussion that nearly 50 per cent of the population already benefits from Ayurveda in some form, underlining its deep-rooted presence and acceptance among people. Experts stressed the need for continued research, standardisation and global outreach to further strengthen confidence in traditional medicine systems.
The event reinforced Goa’s commitment to promoting wellness tourism and supporting initiatives that align with India’s broader vision of wellness-driven development.
Panaji, December 26, 2025: In a significant move to strengthen wellness tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa, at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Principal of GAMRC Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director (AYUSH), DHS Goa, Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President, and Dr Joy Periera, Officiating Registrar.
Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages, coordinated digital marketing initiatives, and participation in national and international tourism forums. The partnership also includes the development of wellness infrastructure such as Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, AYUSH information cells, promotional materials, and structured capacity-building programmes through training, research, and knowledge exchange.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said that wellness tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. He added that the collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating sustainable value for local institutions and communities.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik stated that the MoU provides a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, aligned with the state’s tourism objectives.
The partnership is expected to further position Goa as a holistic wellness destination by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences while supporting knowledge-driven and community-based tourism development.
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.
At the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit 2025 held in New Delhi, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, underscored the growing significance of Ayurveda in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. Addressing healthcare leaders, industry representatives, and policymakers, he emphasized that Ayurveda’s time-tested principles and holistic practices have a crucial role to play in the future of healthcare, both domestically and globally.
Shri Kotecha called upon hospitals, wellness resorts, and healthcare providers to actively integrate Ayurvedic therapies, detoxification programs, and yoga-based wellness treatments alongside modern medical services. He noted that this integrative approach can help create a truly inclusive healthcare model that addresses not only disease management but also prevention and overall well-being.
Highlighting the increasing global interest in traditional and natural healing systems, he observed that Ayurveda and holistic wellness programs are gaining popularity among both Indian and international patients seeking comprehensive and restorative healthcare. According to him, the fusion of traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific advancements will be instrumental in positioning India as a leading global destination for medical tourism.
The Secretary also emphasized that the Ministry of AYUSH is committed to promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic practices and fostering collaborations that bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary medical innovation. By aligning wellness and modern healthcare infrastructure, he said, India can establish itself as a global leader in integrative medicine and sustainable healthcare practices.
Vaidya Kotecha’s address at the CII Health Summit reaffirmed the government’s vision of building a healthcare ecosystem that is inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in India’s rich heritage of holistic healing.
In a significant development aimed at positioning Goa as a hub for wellness and holistic health tourism, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte announced that the State will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with B.S.P’s Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya & Research Centre (GAM&RC), Shiroda. The MoU is set to serve as an umbrella for future collaborative initiatives in Ayurvedic research, education, and integrative health tourism.
The announcement was made during the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations, held under the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet.” The event underscored GAM&RC’s dedication to promoting sustainable healthcare solutions rooted in ancient wisdom, adapted for the modern world.
A landmark moment in the event was the inauguration of Goa’s first Cancer OPD in Ayurveda. This facility opens new avenues for integrative cancer care, where patients can access support that blends traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern medical frameworks. This approach not only addresses physical health but also emphasizes mental and emotional wellbeing, offering a holistic pathway to healing for patients and their families.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the Chief Guest at the event, praised the institute’s legacy of producing over 1,000 graduates and its ongoing contribution to healthcare and community service. Highlighting the institute’s impact on women’s empowerment and Ayurvedic tourism, he emphasized the need for innovation and integration of technology in the wellness sector. “In a developed India, people are actively seeking holistic alternatives. With awareness rising and choices expanding, wellness has become not just a personal goal but a lifestyle,” he stated.
The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Shri Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resources and Corporation, who served as Guest of Honour. Other attendees included Dr. Yogesh Bendale of Ayurved Rasayani, Pune, Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President of Goa Council of Ayurveda, and Adv. Narendra K. Sawaikar, President of Bharateeya Sanskriti Prabodhini, alongside senior faculty of GAM&RC.
The State’s collaboration with GAM&RC is seen as a forward-thinking step to leverage Goa’s natural, cultural, and educational assets in Ayurveda. By integrating traditional knowledge with tourism infrastructure, the government aims to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic, regenerative experiences.
This partnership reflects Goa’s commitment to nurturing skilled Ayurvedic professionals, boosting local employment, and positioning the state as a national leader in wellness tourism—offering much more than just scenic beaches, but a complete ecosystem for healing, learning, and sustainable living.
