India to support cancer care, set up a CoE for traditional medicine in BIMSTEC countries: PM Modi

IANS April 5, 2025 269 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced groundbreaking health initiatives for BIMSTEC countries at the Bangkok summit. The comprehensive plan includes supporting cancer care training and establishing a Centre of Excellence for traditional medicine research. India will leverage its strong traditional medicine expertise to enhance regional healthcare collaboration. These initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to regional development and holistic health approaches.

"Public health is a vital pillar of our collective social development." - PM Narendra Modi
India to support cancer care, set up a CoE for traditional medicine in BIMSTEC countries: PM Modi
New Delhi, April 5: India will support cancer care, as well as set up a Centre of Excellence for traditional medicine in BIMSTEC countries, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Points

1

India to support cancer care training across BIMSTEC regions

2

Establishing Centre of Excellence for traditional medicine research

3

Strengthening academic collaboration in healthcare

4

Expanding ayush scholarship opportunities for regional students

PM Modi said this even as he presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit held in Bangkok, laying out an ambitious road map for cooperation across diverse sectors.

"Public health is a vital pillar of our collective social development. I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries," PM Modi said.

"In line with our holistic approach to health, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote research and dissemination of traditional medicine," he added.

It is worth noting that Thailand and India have robust traditional medicine systems with close mutual ties. With this announcement by the Prime Minister, the research and development activity in the area is set to get a significant boost.

The two countries have been working together to strengthen, promote, facilitate and develop academic and research collaboration in traditional medicine.

Last year the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, under the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine of the Ministry of Public Health of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an academic collaboration in ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine.

In academic collaboration, the ayush scholarship scheme of the Ministry of Ayush, is offered through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The scholarship is provided for undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, B.Sc. in Yoga, B.A. in Yoga Shastra, Ph.D in Yoga and Ph.D in Ayurveda.

In the past five years, 175 students from BIMSTEC regions have availed the scholarships.

India and Thailand also have a long history of cooperation in various sectors including traditional medicine.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a wonderful initiative! Traditional medicine has so much untapped potential. India and Thailand working together can really advance holistic healthcare in the region. 👏
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate the focus on traditional medicine, I hope there's equal emphasis on modern cancer treatments too. Both approaches have their merits and should complement each other.
A
Anjali M.
My aunt benefited so much from Ayurveda during her cancer treatment. This collaboration could help so many people! The scholarship program is especially promising for future practitioners.
S
Sanjay P.
The 21-point action plan sounds ambitious. I'm curious to see how this will be implemented across all BIMSTEC countries. Hope the execution matches the vision!
M
Meena R.
As someone who's studied both modern medicine and Ayurveda, I'm thrilled about this! The integration of traditional knowledge with scientific research could lead to breakthroughs. 🌿
T
Tarun G.
I wonder how accessible these treatments will be to common people in all BIMSTEC countries. Hope the benefits reach those who need them most, not just the privileged few.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
BIMSTEC Modi Healthcare Traditional Medicine Cancer Care India Regional Cooperation Ayurveda
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