PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 12,850 Cr Health Projects at AIIA New Delhi on Dhanvantari Jayanti

Launch of Second Phase of All India Institute of Ayurveda and New Ayush Initiatives Aim to Drive Health Sector Transformation, Universal Healthcare Access, and AYUSH Global Expansion

On the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various healthcare projects, totalling Rs 12,850 crore, at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. The event marks a significant push toward blending traditional Ayurveda with modern healthcare, promoting wellness, and improving access to affordable healthcare across India.

Delivering his address, the Prime Minister extended warm wishes on Dhanteras and Diwali, emphasizing the cultural importance of these festivals in bringing health, wealth, and prosperity to the nation. He highlighted the significance of this Diwali, with Ayodhya’s Shri Ram temple set to be illuminated by thousands of diyas, signifying a historic celebration.

A New Era in Healthcare Through Ayurveda and Technological Integration

PM Modi underscored that the health sector has entered a new chapter by integrating the ancient science of Ayurveda with modern medicine. The All India Institute of Ayurveda has become a cornerstone in this advancement. With the inauguration of AIIA’s second phase, facilities like Panchakarma treatment using modern technology will be available, and the institute will conduct advanced research studies, further enriching both Ayurveda and conventional medical sciences.

Highlighting the government’s priority to improve citizens’ health, PM Modi outlined five pillars of health policy: preventive healthcare, early disease detection, low-cost treatment, access to doctors in remote areas, and technological expansion in healthcare. He added that the projects inaugurated today reflect this holistic approach, including new Ayush Health Centres of Excellence, expanded AIIMS facilities, and the development of medical colleges and nursing institutions across the nation.

Strengthening Healthcare Access Through Ayushman Bharat and Affordable Medicine

Noting the plight of families impacted by high medical expenses, PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to financial support for healthcare through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This scheme provides Rs 5 lakh of hospitalization cover to the poor, benefiting 4 crore families to date. With a focus on expanding Ayushman Bharat coverage, he announced the addition of elderly citizens over 70 under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana initiative, offering universal health coverage without income restrictions.

Additionally, PM Modi emphasized 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide, providing medicines at discounts of up to 80%, benefiting the middle and low-income groups with Rs 30,000 crore in savings. He also cited reduced prices for essential medical devices like stents and knee implants, saving the public Rs 80,000 crore.

Embracing Technology for Accessible and Affordable Healthcare

PM Modi emphasized the importance of early disease detection to improve treatment outcomes, noting that over 2 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established for disease screening. He added that the government’s e-Sanjeevani platform has enabled over 30 crore online consultations, reducing healthcare expenses and providing free medical advice.

As India’s Co-WIN platform successfully managed pandemic vaccinations and UPI transformed digital payments globally, PM Modi announced the launch of U-WIN, a health-tech platform aimed at streamlining healthcare access and patient services across the nation.

Transforming Medical Education and Expanding Ayurveda Worldwide

The Prime Minister highlighted unprecedented growth in medical education, with 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats added in the last decade and plans for 75,000 more seats in the next five years. Recently inaugurated hospitals in Karnataka, UP, MP, and Andhra Pradesh, along with new medical colleges, aim to make healthcare careers accessible to aspirants across economic backgrounds.

With over 7.5 lakh AYUSH practitioners already registered, PM Modi sees Ayurveda’s potential in international wellness tourism, especially in fields like preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and rehabilitation. He called on AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding opportunities both in India and abroad.

Global Validation and Growth of AYUSH

Addressing the global popularity of Ayurveda, PM Modi pointed to the scientific validation of traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper as transformative for both healthcare and the economy. The AYUSH sector, having grown from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today, now includes 900 AYUSH startups and exports to over 150 countries. Through initiatives like Namami Gange, local herbs and superfoods are transforming from Indian specialties to global commodities, benefiting Indian farmers and advancing natural farming practices along the Ganga.

Vision for a Healthier, Developed India

Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s health sector progress over the last decade, contrasting it with limited advances in previous decades. He stressed that these achievements reflect the government's commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all). The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that the foundation laid today, in sync with ancient Indian wisdom and modern healthcare, will help shape a healthy and prosperous India for the next 25 years.

Also in attendance were Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Minister of Labour Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and other dignitaries, marking a major milestone in India’s health sector.