Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Association of Ayurvedic Physicians, commemorated Ayurveda Day, on Saturday 04 November 2023, at L’Escalier Mediclinic.
The chosen theme for this year’s celebration, “Ayurveda for One Health,” with the tagline “Ayurveda for Everyone on Every day,” aligns with India’s G20 Presidency theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry, Mrs Devi Chand Anandi Rye Seewooruthun; the President of the Association of Ayurvedic Physicians, Dr Comachandra Radhakeessoon; the Director, Health Services, Dr Beedarshan Singh Caussy; and other personalities were present on the occasion.
In his speech, Minister Jagutpal emphasised the enduring importance of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old healthcare system deeply rooted in a harmonious connection with nature.
He highlighted its focus on disease prevention and the promotion of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, with Ayurvedic medicines playing a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Moreover, the Minister stressed the paramount history of Ayurveda in Mauritius, dating back to its introduction by indentured labourers from India in 1834. He noted that Ayurvedic medicines have been integral to the healthcare system since 2004, with a growing demand.
At present, he pointed out, the entire island is served by six Ayurvedic clinics, addressing a wide spectrum of ailments ranging from hair fall to chronic disorders and non-communicable diseases.
Dr Jagutpal underlined that these clinics offer a broad array of services, providing complimentary consultations, Ayurvedic Panchkarma Therapy, therapeutic yoga, patient counselling, and the free distribution of Ayurvedic medicine.
Notably, Mauritius holds the distinction of being the only country, aside from India, with dedicated legislation for Ayurveda, he affirmed. In addition, he recalled the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015, strengthening collaboration in traditional medicine between India and Mauritius.
In 2022, he added, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, played a crucial role as the Chief Guest at the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar and it was during this summit, that plans for establishing a new AYUSH Centre of Excellence in Côte-d’Or were finalised.
The Minister thus underscored that this project, supported by the Indian Government, is estimated to cost approximately MUR 650 million and will be central to conserving biodiversity.
He further emphasised the growing importance of traditional medicine in the modern scientific arena, with around 40% of licensed pharmaceuticals deriving from natural substances.
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