In a meaningful stride towards a more holistic and inclusive healthcare system, a key meeting was held today to deliberate on the establishment of a Department of Integrative Medicine at the TATA IISc Medical School in Bengaluru. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), reflects a shared vision of combining the strengths of traditional Indian medicine with modern scientific advancements to provide comprehensive and patient-focused care.
The virtual meeting brought together several distinguished figures in the field of medicine and policy, including Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman of the National Medical Commission; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush; Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine; and Prof. Swaminathan, Inaugural Chair and Professor of Nephrology at IISc Bengaluru. Their discussions emphasized the urgent need for a structured and scientific integration of systems like Ayurveda with allopathic medicine to improve healthcare delivery and research in India.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to develop a comprehensive White Paper on Integrative Medicine. This document will define the scope, strategy, and application of integrative practices in clinical settings, education, and research. It is expected to lay the groundwork for broader implementation across the country, pending expert reviews and policy endorsement.
This progressive step follows the momentum created during the recent ‘RISE for Healthy Ageing’ International Conference at IISc, where scientists and health leaders explored the potential of integrative medicine. Today’s meeting marks a significant move from dialogue to action, reinforcing India’s dedication to building a healthcare system that honors its rich traditional heritage while embracing the advances of modern science.