Early Times Report SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today virtually addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations organised by Directorate of Ayush, J&K at Convention Centre, Jammu. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director Ayush, J&K, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma; Director Health Services, Jammu, Director Family Welfare J&K, MD JKMSCL, former Directors of Ayush, Healthcare professionals and other officers also attended the event, either in person or through video conferencing. 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.", Minister Sakeena 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 reach to common masses in every district, in every panchayat and every area of Jammu and Kashmir", the Minister said. The Health Minister further said that there is not much awareness about Ayurvedic medicines, highlighting that people should be made aware that Ayurvedic medicines have less side affect as compared to general medicines. Minister Sakeena 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 programs, 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, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, 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. He stressed on Research and Development, Scientific Validation, Standardization and mass public awareness so that Ayush becomes the most acceptable system all over the globe. In his key note address, Director Ayush, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma highlighted the growing importance of Ayurveda in today's healthcare landscape. He said, "Ayurveda not only aims to cure diseases but also to maintain harmony within the body and with nature. The theme for this year reflects the need for sustainable health practices that benefit both people and the planet.
|