Guwahati: Guwahati witnessed a significant event as the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the National Ayush Mission, Assam, convened a regional review meeting for the northeastern states and West Bengal. The meeting, chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ayush, as well as Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, took place on August 25 at Vivanta.

During the event, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, extended his congratulations on the remarkable achievements of the mission. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the meeting's focus on harmonizing with nature and emphasized its inaugural nature. He underlined the significance of this initiative in uniting the northeastern states and West Bengal to commit to the promotion of Ayush, leveraging the region's status as a biodiversity hotspot in India.
Sonowal expressed optimism about the potential for progress, citing the ample resources and power available. He attributed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent prioritization of the northeast's rapid development and highlighted the evolution of Ayush as a testament to this commitment.
He further elaborated on the integration of traditional and modern medical systems, as directed by Prime Minister Modi. This integration would involve the collaboration of the Ayush Ministry and the Department of Health and Family Welfare at both central and state levels, extending from top-tier medical institutions to local health centers.
Sonowal highlighted Ayush's global market worth of 5 lakh crores INR and underscored the synergy between tradition and modernity in healthcare.

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the event, noted the advancements made since the launch of the National Ayush Mission. He praised the northeastern states for their substantial contributions to Ayush growth, given their rich herbal resources. He stressed the importance of continuous deliberation and sharing of best practices to further the promotion of Ayush.

Dr. Sarma reminded attendees that Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the National Ayush Mission, aimed at propagating economically viable Ayush services, enhancing educational infrastructure, ensuring quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy, and acknowledging the international recognition Ayush has garnered.

Furthermore, Dr. Sarma shed light on the burgeoning potential of Ayush startups, with around 40,000 MSMEs contributing to a booming industry valued at 1.5 lakh crores INR. He envisioned the northeastern region as a potential hub for Ayurvedic treatments, akin to Kerala's fame in this sector.

Sarbananda Sonowal, in an interview with Business Northeasteast, clarified that Ayush would not supplant allopathy; instead, efforts would be made to coexist and offer both treatments side by side across hospitals. The objective remains to unite traditional and modern healthcare approaches.