National
9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) and Arogya Expo 2022
⇒ 9th World Ayurveda Congress was inaugurated on 08 December 2022 at Panaji, Goa in the presence of Union Minister of State for Tourism and Shipping, Ports and Waterways Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.
- The aim of the 9th WAC was to showcase the efficacy and strength of the AYUSH systems of medicine at the Global level.
- The third edition of the ‘Ayushman’ comic book series was also released on this occasion.
- A MoU was also signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and Rosenberg’s European Academy of Ayurveda, Germany to facilitate advanced studies in traditional Indian medicine systems.
The 9th World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo 2022 was organized from 8th to 11th December 2022 in Panaji, Goa.
- Since its inception in 2002, the event has been receiving a highly welcoming response.
Objective:
It was organized with an objective to provide a global platform for all the stakeholders, including industry leaders, practitioners, traditional healers, educationists, students, medicine manufacturers, growers of medicinal plants and marketing strategists, for networking and engaging in intellectual exchange to strengthen the Ayurveda sector, envision its future, and facilitate interaction between professionals and consumers to boost Ayurveda commerce.
Theme:
The theme of the 9th edition of World Ayurveda Congress was “Ayurveda for One Health”.
Supported by:
The four-day event was supported by the Central and state governments and the Union Ministry of AYUSH.
Participation:
Over 4500 participants from all over the world including 400 foreign delegates from 53 countries participated in the 9th World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo.
- Various Ayush institutes and research councils, more than 215 companies, leading Ayurveda’s brands, medicine manufacturers and Ayurveda related educational and Research & Development (R&D) institutions participated in the Arogya Expo.
Valedictory function:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the valedictory function of the 9th World Ayurveda Congress on 11 December.
Dwelling upon the philosophical underpinnings of Ayurveda the Prime Minister said “Ayurveda goes beyond treatment and promotes wellness”. The Prime Minister expressed delight that a lot of work with regard to Ayurveda is already underway in India. As a result, the Prime Minister said, “The World Health Organisation established the first and only Global Centre for Traditional Medicines in Jamnagar.
Prime Minister also inaugurated three National Ayush Institutes. The nation got three National Ayush Institutes of eminence in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani.
Three institutes are:
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa
- National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Ghaziabad
- National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Delhi
- These three institutes will further strengthen research and international collaborations and will also facilitate affordable Ayush services for people.
- Developed at a total cost of about Rs 970 crores, these institutes will increase the intake of students by around 400 along with the addition of about 500 hospital beds.
Other Points:
- The market size of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) sector in the country has grown from USD 3 billion in 2014 to over USD 18 billion now, clocking a phenomenal growth of six times.
- During 2014-2020, the AYUSH industry grew 17 per cent year-on-year while the Ayurveda market is predicted to grow at 15 per cent CAGR from 2021-2026.
One Day Mega Health Camp ‘Abua Bugin Hodmo-Our Better Health’
⇒ The Ministry of Tribal Affairs successfully hosted a free One-Day Mega Health Camp – ‘Abua Bugin Hodmo’ (‘Our Better Health’), at Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand on 4th December 2022.
- This was the second successful health camp to offer improved healthcare services to the tribal people in the state after the Khunti camp’s success in June.
Organized by:
The Mega Health Camp was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Ayush, Tata Steel Foundation and the District Administration, envisaging better health and related facilities for the tribal society.
Support:
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, National Health Mission, Ministry of AYUSH, Tata Steel Foundation, and District Administration all contributed to the event.
- Through this, renowned medical professionals from Apollo, Fortis, Maulana Azad Medical College, AIIMS, and other notable institutions travelled to isolated tribal communities to evaluate and diagnose various disorders.
- The participation of TRIFED, NSTFDC, and EMRS was also crucial to the camp’s success.
Objective:
This health camp’s primary objective has been to reduce the burden of three groups of diseases that seriously impair the health of the members of tribal group.
- TB, leprosy, HIV, hepatitis, and other contagious diseases fall under the first category. Breast and uterine cancer, sickle cell disease, heart disease, skin conditions, nervous system disorders, and dental problems fall under the second category. The third category includes malnutrition and adolescent health, including maternal and child health nutrition (MCHN+A). In the health camp, screening for these diseases and taking action to diagnose and prevent them were undertaken.
» The camp reportedly saw around 20,000 people receiving treatment and undergoing health check- ups.
“Grassroot Soldiers: Role of ASHAs and ANMs in the COVID-19 Pandemic Management in India” Report
⇒ Ms. Melinda French Gates, Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda French Gates Foundation called on the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 05 December 2022.
Discussion:
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Ms. Melinda French Gates discussed in detail the potential and new opportunities for India’s ambitious health sector reforms, with particular emphasis on strengthening the health infrastructure and digital health mission under the aegis of Ayushman Bharat.
- They also discussed opportunities to leverage Indian vaccine manufacturing and digital goods for global public health, specifically in light of India’s charge of the G20 Presidency.
Dr. Mandaviya and Ms. Melinda French Gates unveiled report titled “Grassroot Soldiers: Role of ASHAs and ANMs in the COVID-19 Pandemic Management in India”.
» The report is a collaborative endeavor by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), National Health Systems Resource Center (NHSRC), and the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC).
Key Points:
» The report is a comprehensive document encapsulating the experience and key role of ASHAs and ANMs in India’s pandemic response strategy, and their critical role in delivering routine health care services to the remotest corners of the country.
- India launched one of the largest vaccination programs in the world extending its reach to the innermost and far-flung regions of the country.
- As foot soldiers they touched each and every household, supported the COVID-19 management and motivated them for vaccination.
- They played a pivotal role in providing a range of services ranging from door-to-door surveys, vaccination, disseminating information on hygiene practices, nutrition and sanitation, reproductive and childcare services, communicable and non-communicable disease prevention and control.
Death
Renowned Marathi Lavani singer Sulochana Tai Chavan
⇒ Renowned Marathi Lavani singer Sulochana Tai Chavan passed away on 10 December 2022 in South Mumbai. She was 92.
About Sulochana Tai:
- Sulochana Chavan was also bestowed with the title ‘Lavani Samradnyi’ (Queen of Lavani), in acknowledgement of her illustrious musical career.
- Chavan was conferred with the Padma Shri Award by former President Ram Nath Kovind in March 2022.
- Chavan’s famous Lavani songs include ‘Tuzhya Usala Laagal Kolha’ and ‘Padarawarti Jartaricha’ from the 1965 film ‘Malhari Martand’, ‘Solaawa Varees Dhokyacha’; and ‘Kasa Kay Patil Bara Hay Ka?’ from 1964 film ‘Sawaal Majha Aika!’.