Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the centenary celebrations of Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital in Kerala through a video message, describing the institution as a living symbol of India’s centuries-old healing tradition.
Highlighting the contribution of Arya Vaidya Sala in preserving and advancing Ayurveda, the Prime Minister said the institution has played a major role in establishing Ayurveda as a powerful system of treatment over the last 125 years. Recalling the legacy of its founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, he said his dedication to public welfare continues to inspire generations.
“Arya Vaidyasala has earned people’s trust through its work, and when people are in distress, it becomes a great source of hope,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister noted that the institution today manufactures over 600 Ayurvedic medicines and treats patients across the country through its hospitals, including visitors from more than 60 countries. He said the charitable hospital has been serving people continuously for the past 100 years, reflecting the spirit of service that defines the organisation.
“For Arya Vaidyasala, service is not merely an idea but a sentiment reflected in its actions and institutions,” he said, while congratulating doctors, vaidyas, nursing staff and all those associated with the hospital.
Referring to policy changes over the past decade, the Prime Minister said India has adopted a holistic approach to healthcare by bringing Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Yoga under one umbrella through the Ministry of Ayush.
“Today, healthcare is being viewed with a holistic perspective, and traditional systems of medicine are being integrated for the well-being of people,” he said.
He highlighted initiatives such as the National Ayush Mission and the establishment of more than 12,000 Ayush Wellness Centres that provide preventive healthcare, yoga and community health services. The Prime Minister said the government’s objective is to ensure that the benefits of traditional medical knowledge reach every corner of the country.
Speaking on the growth of the AYUSH sector, the Prime Minister said exports of AYUSH and herbal products have risen from around ₹3,000 crore in 2014 to ₹6,500 crore, benefiting farmers and boosting the sector. He also referred to the establishment of the Ayush Export Promotion Council to promote Indian traditional wellness globally.
India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based medical value travel, the Prime Minister said, adding that initiatives such as the AYUSH Visa are helping foreign visitors access traditional healthcare services in the country.
Highlighting India’s efforts to promote Ayurveda globally, the Prime Minister said it is being showcased at international platforms such as BRICS and G20. He also mentioned the establishment of the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and efforts to encourage medicinal farming along the banks of the Ganga.
Referring to the recently announced trade agreement with the European Union, the Prime Minister said it would open new opportunities for AYUSH practitioners and help establish AYUSH wellness centres in Europe.
He also stressed the importance of evidence-based research in strengthening public trust in Ayurveda.
“When Ayurvedic methods are tested on the principles of science, public trust becomes stronger,” he said, while appreciating Arya Vaidya Sala’s collaboration with institutions such as CSIR and IIT in research and innovation.
Emphasising the need to integrate modern technology with traditional medicine, the Prime Minister said Ayurveda must increasingly adopt tools such as artificial intelligence to enhance disease prediction and treatment methods.
“Arya Vaidyasala has shown that tradition and modernity can move together,” he said, expressing hope that the institution will continue to serve humanity with the same dedication in the years ahead.
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