National Workshop Charts IT Roadmap for a Digital-First Future in Ayush Sector

The two-day National Workshop on “IT Solutions in the Ayush Sector” was inaugurated today at the scenic KTDC Waterscapes, Kumarakom, Kerala, by Smt. Veena George, Minister for Health and Women & Child Development, Government of Kerala. Organized by the National Ayush Mission, Kerala, the workshop has brought together 91 representatives from 23 States and Union Territories and more than 155 participants including senior government officials, technical experts, and policymakers. The event aligns closely with the priorities laid out during the Ayush Departmental Summit 2025 in New Delhi, underscoring India’s commitment to a digitally empowered healthcare ecosystem.

Kerala’s Vision: Blending Tradition with Technology

In her inaugural remarks, Minister Veena George warmly welcomed participants, noting the symbolic choice of Kumarakom’s natural surroundings—a reflection of the harmony promoted by Ayush practices. She emphasized that as India embraces rapid technological advances, it is equally vital to preserve traditional wisdom and values.

She stressed that digital tools must integrate seamlessly into the healthcare system, enabling real-time monitoring, human resource management, transparent financial tracking, and robust data frameworks. The Minister called upon participants to co-create a centralized, interoperable digital framework that strengthens the National Health Mission, ensuring equitable access to quality Ayush services for all citizens.

Highlighting Kerala’s leadership in digital health innovations, she expressed confidence that the deliberations would result in concrete outcomes such as innovative platforms, scalable models, and inclusive digital initiatives.

Ministry of Ayush: Digital Systems as Public Health Enablers

Delivering the keynote address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that digital adoption is no longer optional but a necessity for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. He detailed ongoing initiatives such as the Ayush Grid and new digital portals, which aim to standardize software across States and Union Territories, avoiding duplication and ensuring equitable distribution of services.

He stressed the importance of interoperability—digital systems must communicate effectively across platforms to allow real-time patient monitoring, efficient data and HR management, and seamless financial tracking. According to him, these innovations should empower citizens, enhance transparency, and strengthen evidence-based, equitable governance in the Ayush sector.

Kerala’s Model as a Benchmark

Shri Rajan N. Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary (Health & Ayush), Government of Kerala, highlighted Kerala’s achievements in health and Ayush infrastructure, noting the state’s early adoption of digital health platforms. He urged other States and Union Territories to learn from Kerala’s model, while ensuring uniformity, adaptability, and citizen-centric services nationwide.

Expert Perspectives and State Contributions

Several distinguished speakers added depth to the discussions:

• Dr. Raghu, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the workshop as a timely platform to strengthen IT-led innovations that improve transparency, patient care, and research.

• Ranjan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, stressed the role of such forums in encouraging innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across states.

• Dr. D Sajith Babu, State Mission Director, National Ayush Mission, Kerala, underscored the importance of live demonstrations of hospital management software, which showcased practical digital interventions in Ayush facilities.

• Dr. Subodh Kumar, Director, Ministry of Ayush, commended Kerala’s leadership in driving this initiative, noting its alignment with the Ayush Departmental Summit’s vision.

The event was also attended by Ms. Kavita Jain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, along with senior officials from the Ministry, Ayush Grid, and representatives from States and UTs including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and others.

Workshop Themes and Knowledge Exchange

The workshop centers on:

• Best practice exchange and innovation sharing among States and UTs.

• Orientation on Central Government IT platforms, particularly Ayush Grid.

• Deliberations on program management, patient care, monitoring, human resource and data management, and financial tracking.

The agenda is designed to foster a shared vision for interoperable, inclusive, and scalable digital solutions that empower both service providers and beneficiaries.

Field Visits to Model Ayush Facilities

As part of the workshop, participants will undertake field visits from September 20–21, 2025, to Ayush facilities across Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts. These visits will showcase NABH Entry Level Certified and Kayakalp Awarded Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Government Ayush Hospitals, the Sports Ayurveda Project, and innovative initiatives like Arogyanouka, Palliative Care, Drishti, and Ayurkarma.

Towards a Digital Ayush Ecosystem

This National Workshop marks a transformative step in India’s journey to build a future-ready, technology-driven, and citizen-focused Ayush ecosystem. By harnessing IT solutions, the sector aims to modernize service delivery, expand access, and create resilient systems while staying true to the principles of holistic healing that define Ayush.