Margao: Members of the Ayurveda and Indian Systems of Medicine fraternity on Saturday welcomed the announcement in the Goa State Budget 2026 regarding the creation of a separate ministry for AYUSH, calling it a historic step for the sector. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while presenting the state budget.
Addressing a press conference organised by the Ayurveda fraternity in association with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya at a hotel in Margao, speakers said the decision would give independent identity and institutional strength to Ayurveda and allied systems of medicine in Goa.
Dr. Devdutt Sail said the formation of a dedicated ministry for AYUSH marks a major milestone for the sector and reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening traditional systems of healthcare.
Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, president of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Other Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, congratulated Sawant for the move and said he has consistently supported the needs of the AYUSH sector in the state. She highlighted initiatives such as the implementation of a State Wellness Policy and expanded coverage for treatments under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, which have helped strengthen the sector.
Dr. Nilesh Korde, principal of Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, said the Goa government has made sustained efforts to bring Ayurveda into the mainstream healthcare system, leading to increased academic opportunities, research initiatives, and institutional development.
Dr. Dharmendra Prabhudesai, president of the Goa Ayurveda Association, said the creation of a dedicated ministry will provide the administrative focus and policy support required for the further growth of Ayurveda and allied systems in the state.
Sail also spoke about the integrative oncology initiative being implemented in Goa, under which a joint clinic has been established through a memorandum of understanding between Tata Memorial Centre, All India Institute of Ayurveda (Goa), and the Directorate of Health Services. Under the initiative, doctors from different systems of medicine jointly consult and manage cancer patients, marking a progressive step towards integrative healthcare delivery, with budgetary allocation earmarked to further strengthen the programme.
The speakers collectively thanked the Goa government and the Chief Minister for recognising the role of Ayurveda and AYUSH systems in the state’s healthcare ecosystem and said the fraternity would continue working to promote education, research, and healthcare services in the sector.
