Raise awareness on benefits of Ayurveda: Sakina Itoo to officials

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday virtually addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations organised by Directorate of Ayush, J&K, at the Convention Centre, Jammu.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister underlined the significance of Ayurveda as one of the oldest and most effective systems of holistic healthcare. “Ayurveda embodies India’s cultural wisdom, offering a lifestyle and healthcare model deeply connected to nature. The theme ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet’ reminds us that the health of individuals and the health of the environment are inseparable. It is our responsibility to preserve this knowledge and make it accessible to every household,” Itoo said.

The Minister called upon all the participants to carry out a dedicated awareness campaign on the benefits of Ayurveda so that people take due benefits from it.

“These celebrations will be fruitful only when the message of benefits of Ayurveda reaches to common masses in every district, in every panchayat and every area of Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.

The Health Minister further said there is not much awareness about Ayurvedic medicines, highlighting that people should be made aware that Ayurvedic medicines have minor side effects as compared to general medicines.

She also highlighted various initiatives of the government in health sector, adding that the Omar Abdullah led government is determined to take advanced medical care facilities to far flung and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She called upon all the participants that every effort should be made so that the people can take due advantage of these initiatives which is the main purpose of this government.

She further lauded the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, for its continuous efforts in expanding Ayush healthcare services, promoting awareness, and bringing traditional systems closer to the youth through education and outreach. She stressed on further public outreach programmes, capacity building and extension of facilities in each nook and corner of J&K, so that Ayush becomes a household name.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, in his address lauded the role of Ayush in life style disorders. He stressed on the need to focus on strength areas of Ayush like non communicable diseases.

Secretary Health, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed in his virtual address said that Ayurveda is a science of life that goes beyond curative medicine by addressing prevention, lifestyle management, and wellness and its integrative approach is essential in combating the modern epidemic of lifestyle disorders.