Ayurveda Day 2024: PM Modi's Rs 12,850 Cr Health Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched health initiatives worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore, coinciding with the ninth Ayurveda Day and the festival of Dhanteras. Ayurveda Day, observed annually on Dhanteras, marks Dhanvantri Jayanti. The ninth Ayurveda Day is celebrated on October 29, 2024.

Historical Significance & Celebration

Ayurveda Day observed annually on Dhanteras, marking Dhanvantri Jayanti
9th Ayurveda Day celebrated on October 29, 2024
Dhanvantri, divine physician and Vishnu incarnation, depicted with four hands
Origins traced back to 5000-1000 BCE in Vedic texts
First formal Ayurveda course started in 1827 at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta
Knowledge spread internationally through ancient universities like Takshashila and Nalanda
Influenced Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems
Government initiated Ayurveda Day celebrations in 2016
Theme for 2024: "Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health"
Celebrations extended to over 150 countries worldwide

PM Modi's Major Health Initiatives

Launched projects worth Rs 12,850 crore

Inaugurated Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda, including:

- Dedicated Panchakarma hospital
- Ayurvedic pharmacy
- Sports medicine unit
- IT and start-ups incubation centre
- 500-seat auditorium

Established four Ayush Centres of Excellence at:

- IISc Bengaluru (diabetes research)
- IIT Delhi (sustainable solutions)
- CDRI Lucknow (fundamental research)
- JNU New Delhi (systems medicine)

Foundation stones laid for:

- Two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy (Odisha and Chhattisgarh)
- Five nursing colleges in Madhya Pradesh
- Three medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh

Ayurveda's Evolution and Modern Status

Developed into complete medical system around 1000 BCE
Key texts include Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita
Organized around eight medical specialties
Brhattrayi (Great Trio) formed basis of Ayurvedic literature
Significant contributions by scholar Nagarjuna in 9th century CE

Modern development includes:

- Structured educational framework
- Undergraduate to doctoral programs
- Strong practitioner and manufacturer network
- Improved infrastructure in public and private sectors
- Focus on women's health and workplace wellness
- Integration with modern healthcare systems
- Emphasis on global health innovation

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