Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 March 2025
A two-day State Level Re-orientation Training Programme for Ayurveda doctors under the Health Department was successfully organised by the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and the A&N State AYUSH Society, under the National AYUSH Mission, on March 5 and 6, 2025. The event was held at the TGCE Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The training focused on the ‘Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases and Musculoskeletal Disorders through Ayurveda.’ Eminent Ayurveda experts, Prof. Dr. Vasudevan Namboothiri, a veteran clinician and former Director of Medical Education (ISM), Government of Kerala, and Prof. Dr. K.R. Kohli, a renowned researcher and former Director of Medical Education (AYUSH), Government of Maharashtra, served as resource persons.
The inaugural session on March 5 was chaired by Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health)/MD (NHM & NAM), as the chief guest, with Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, as the guest of honour. In his address, the Secretary (Health) commended the AYUSH Wing for organizing a well-structured training programme addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He also shared his personal experiences of incorporating Ayurveda into daily life.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, Deputy Director (AYUSH), followed by the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Suryakant Singh, Medical Officer (Ayurveda).
During the technical sessions, Prof. Dr. Vasudevan Namboothiri elaborated on the Ayurvedic approach to managing rheumatic diseases, including Sandhighata Vata, Vatashonita, and Amavata. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. K.R. Kohli discussed the prevention and Ayurvedic management of NCDs such as Hridroga (heart disease) and Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus) along with its complications like nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
Additionally, Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane conducted a session on the role of diet and lifestyle in preventing and mitigating various forms of arthritis, while Dr. Rekha, Specialist in Panchakarma, led a session on Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle interventions for diabetes management.
A total of 29 doctors actively participated in the training programme and were awarded certificates of participation during the valedictory function, which was presided over by Prof. Dr. K.R. Kohli.
The programme concluded on a successful note, reinforcing the importance of Ayurveda in addressing contemporary health challenges and equipping doctors with enhanced knowledge for effective patient care.