75 Years of the Indian Health Industry and its contribution

India is celebrating its 75 years of Independence this year. So, this makes it one of the best times to celebrate the 75 years of the Indian health and wellness industry. We dedicate this post to the Indian health industry and will discuss the contribution of the healthcare sector in India. 

The evolution of the healthcare sector from ancient times to the present is outstanding. Also, the pandemic played an important role here as more and more people started focusing on health and fitness. 

India and its contribution to the healthcare sector:

Yoga and Ayurveda were India’s “gift” to the world.

 Harsh Vardhan ( Former Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. )

1. Ayurveda: Hospitals have existed since ancient times, so the journey begins from there. The origin of Ayurveda is attributed to the Atharva Veda and mentions diseases and their treatments. Ayurveda includes the use of herbs and medicinal plants for healing purposes. The trend continues and the ancient practice is also recognized by many other countries. The Indian health and wellness industry is worth 49,000 crores (2021) and is gaining popularity for its contribution to making India fit and healthy.

To promote the practice, the government of India established the Ministry of AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) in the Year 2014. Also, the travelers are focusing on the destinations offering wellness experiences like- Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, to name a few. Thus, the Medical Tourism sector is to increase at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020-27. 

The World Health Organization(WHO) chose India to set up a traditional medicine center to bolster research, training, and awareness of the Ayurveda. The role of Ayurveda increased during the COVID pandemic, and AYUSH suggested the intake of Kadhas/herbs for better immunity. The contribution of Ayurveda to health, tourism, and the economy from ancient times till the present is unprecedented. 

2. Yoga: Yoga means- join or unite. It is a mental, physical, and spiritual practice that promotes the overall well-being of an individual. Yoga has roots in ancient texts like Vedas, Upnishads, and the Bhagavadgita. From ancient times till the present yoga has served its purpose well and is practiced almost everywhere. In the yogic lore, the Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi.

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed June 21 be recognized as an International Yoga Day in the Year 2014( in his UN address). Since 2015, the world has celebrated the day annually. Yoga is indeed a gift that India gave to the world and a perfect form of exercise that helps the mind and body. 

3. Meditation: Meditation(dhyana) has many benefits to offer and addresses mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, to name a few. The practice originated in the ancient Vedic times of India and is mentioned in Vedic texts. 

Meditation is gaining popularity because of its ability to improve mental health, especially with changing lifestyles. Just like physical exercise strengthens your body, meditation strengthens the mind by improving attention, concentration, and decision-making. So, start with small sessions of guided meditations. 

4. Indian herbs and spices: India is famous for its spices and other delicacies. Also, the country is famous for its masala trade(spice trade). Spices like cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, etc., are famous for their culinary and health purpose. The herbs are used in Indian kitchens since ancient times and have effects on human health as well. 

India produces a large number of spices that not only enhance the taste of the food but also work as a great source of iron, calcium, and other antioxidants. Their journey from the kitchen to the clinic is remarkable. Indian diversity offers a plethora of dishes made using different spices. Try including them in your food and increase the health benefits with taste. 

Takeaways: 

The Indian healthcare sector will continue to grow and has the potential to reach USD 372 Billion in 2022. The sector not only contributes to overall health and wellbeing but also is a major source of revenue and employment. 

India’s contribution to the world is incredible as it provides solutions to modern problems. 

Let the best reach the world and follow the principle of- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam(The World Is One Family).