PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has called for a structured and scientific integration of traditional systems of medicine with modern healthcare frameworks, stressing that such convergence must be systematic and grounded in scientific validation.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the valedictory function of the 3rd edition of the International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition in the UAE yesterday, Sawant said the central message emerging from the three-day event was clear.
“Integration must be systematic, evidence-based, and guided by rigorous scientific validation,” he said, asserting that traditional knowledge must be strengthened through credible research and regulatory frameworks.
He emphasised that preventive healthcare should become foundational rather than supplementary in global health systems. “We must move from reactive treatment models to proactive, wellness-oriented approaches,” he said, noting that the future of healthcare depends on prevention, early intervention, and sustainable practices.
Sawant observed that Dubai, as a global hub of innovation, commerce, and cultural convergence, had not only provided an ideal platform for dialogue over the past three days but had also sent a strong global signal about the relevance of traditional medicine.
“The depth of scientific discussions, the quality of research presentations, the policy deliberations, and the cross-border collaborations reflect the growing international confidence in AYUSH systems,” he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the future of global healthcare lies in convergence. “Traditional wisdom and modern medical science must complement each other to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable healthcare solutions,” he stated. He added that collaboration across nations must replace isolated efforts, with shared knowledge, joint research, regulatory harmonisation, and institutional partnerships forming the backbone of resilient health systems.
Sawant noted that the presence of experts, regulators, clinicians, industry leaders, and wellness entrepreneurs from across continents underscored the universal relevance of integrative healthcare. “AYUSH is no longer viewed merely as heritage; it is increasingly recognised as a viable and evidence-based component of modern healthcare systems,” he said.
He further acknowledged that under the leadership of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, AYUSH has gained unprecedented global visibility. “From the internationalisation of Yoga to the institutional strengthening of Ayurveda and other traditional systems, India has consciously positioned integrative healthcare as a key pillar of its global health diplomacy,” he said, adding that the strong international participation at the conference reflected that broader vision.
Reaffirming Goa’s commitment to holistic health, Sawant said the State continues to align its healthcare and tourism strategies with the promotion of integrative medicine, wellness tourism, and sustainable health practices.
