A 15-member delegation comprising High Commissioners and Ambassadors from East and Southern African countries embarked on a journey to explore the potential of India’s traditional medicine systems and integrative healthcare.
The delegation’s visit on Tuesday took them to the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, where they got an insight into the latest developments in Ayurveda and integrative healthcare. AYUSH and Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal extended a warm welcome to the African delegation and emphasized the importance of their visit. He said that this collaboration holds the promise of advancing universal health coverage in African countries by harnessing the potential of India’s traditional medicine system.
Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the important role of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems in meeting global health care needs, noting the recognition of their potential by the World Health Organization. He further emphasized how the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream health care can bridge the access gap for millions of people around the world, increasing the public’s commitment to health and well-being. A holistic and holistic approach can be promoted.
The African delegation was accorded a traditional Indian welcome at AIIA before going on a tour of the institute, including its hospital and outpatient department. They were given first-hand experiences of the significant advances made in primary and tertiary health care as well as complementary therapies through Ayurveda.
AIIA stands as a premier institution under the Ministry of Ayush, which combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern diagnostic tools and technology. It holds the distinction of being the first A++ NAAC-accredited Ayurveda Institute in India and holds NABH accreditation for its state-of-the-art, unique tertiary care hospital. AIIA offers integrated AYUSH outpatient services, 30 general and super specialty outpatient departments, as well as integrated services in rheumatology, dentistry, and oncology.
The African delegation was impressed by the AIIA’s multifaceted offerings. AIIA Director Dr. Tanuja Nasari highlighted the institution’s commitment to global outreach, which has signed MoUs with over 50 research institutes, reputed institutes, and universities, including 17 of international repute. Organizations are also involved.
The historic visit by the African delegation follows the successful G20 leaders’ summit held in New Delhi earlier this month. The theme of India’s 2023 G20 presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Katambakkam’, reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “One Land, One Family, One Future” and embraces India’s rich and diverse traditions. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration recognized the importance of Indian traditional medicine systems and emphasized their potential role in healthcare.
Additionally, the WHO-Global Summit on Traditional Medicines held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in August 2023, witnessed the growing acceptance of traditional medicine, reinforcing its importance in global healthcare.
The high-level delegation included prominent representatives like Brig. Burundi Ambassador General Alais Bezidavi, Ethiopian Ambassador Dimek Atnafo Ambolo, Zimbabwean Ambassador Dr. Godfrey Majuni Chapare, Thabang Linus Kholomo, CDA from Lesotho, and many other distinguished diplomats collectively contributed to the strong collaboration. India and African countries in the field of health care and traditional medicine.
First Published: 26 Sep 2023, 21:55 IST