Global Ayurveda and Health Tourism Summits in Kochi from October 26

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Kerala will host the 5th edition of the World Ayurveda Summit and the 10th edition of the Kerala Health Tourism International Conference and Exhibition 2023 at the Adlux International Convention Centre, Angamaly, on October 26-27 .

These concurrent events aim to position Kerala as the preferred destination for medical value tourism and are supported by the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Kerala, Dr PM Varier, event organizer and Chief Medical Officer and Managing Director of Arya Vaidyasala, Kottakkal, told the media here on Tuesday. Citing a study carried out by the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) five years ago, he said the Ayurvedic system of medicine was used by only about 10 per cent of India’s population.

Slow growth in Kerala

Post-pandemic, Ayurveda is gaining popularity outside Kerala and in countless countries, while its growth trajectory in the state (where it has strong roots) is slow. This is perhaps due to the longer treatment days and permission given by many other states to also pursue Ayurveda to fight the pandemic. A study is underway to identify the reasons for the lull in the sector, despite increasing patient attendance. Nowadays, Ayurvedic medicines are available even in easy-to-use capsule form, he added.

Dr S. Sajikumar, former president of ICN, said Ayurveda was already a key part of leisure tourism. It can offer holistic and comprehensive solutions with the help of the modern medical system, especially for aging gracefully. It is now practiced in more than 30 countries, but exporting medicines presents difficulties. In India, Ayurveda has grown from a $3 billion industry to a $24 billion industry.

Kerala offers world-class healthcare in Ayurveda and modern medicine at a fraction of the cost of developed countries, said Jose Dominic, former president of ICN. Ayurveda is increasingly popular among the youth today, he said, adding that 2024 would see a marked improvement in health tourism in Kerala.

Dr Renjith Krishnan, member of the healthcare panel of CII Keralas and CEO of Kinder Group of Hospitals, said his hospital has adopted Ayurveda, especially for pre- and post-natal care of women. The international health tourism sector is growing in India, despite constraints such as the migration of nurses abroad. Dr Yadu Narayanan Mooss, co-organizer of the summit and executive director of Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, was also present.

A start-up pavilion showcasing innovative trends and ideas in healthcare and Ayurveda will also be present at the summit, which will be attended by delegates from Bangladesh, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, from Thailand, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. An exhibition will be open free to the public.