New Delhi: In a significant recognition of his contributions to healthcare, Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao, a Padma Shri awardee, was conferred with the Global Health Care Excellency Award 2024 in New Delhi. The award ceremony was a highlight of the 7th International Health & Wellness Expo 2024, held from August 29 to 31. The award was jointly presented by the Government of India’s Ministry of Ayush, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The Hon’ble Minister of Ayush, Sri Jadav Prataprao Ganpatro, and former Union Minister Sri Aswini Kumar Choubey graced the occasion with their presence.
Delivering the keynote address on the inaugural day of the expo, Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao emphasized the urgent need for a holistic approach to healthcare. This comes in the backdrop of a groundbreaking agreement signed between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India to establish the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. Supported by a substantial investment of USD 250 million from the Indian government, this global knowledge center aims to integrate traditional medicine with modern science and technology to improve health outcomes worldwide.
During his address, Dr. Rao highlighted that approximately 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicine, with 170 out of 194 WHO member states reporting its usage. Governments around the world have requested WHO’s support in developing a body of reliable evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and products. “For millions, traditional medicine is the first line of treatment for various diseases,” Dr. Rao stated. He further noted that in India, around 70-75% of the poor, middle-class, and rural populations prefer Ayurveda as their primary treatment, while modern medicine remains crucial in emergencies.
In light of this, Dr. Rao appealed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to establish Ayurvedic Integrated with Modern Medicine (AIM) Centers of Excellence across the country. He stressed that such centers would foster a holistic health approach and help create a disease-free society.
The Hon’ble Minister of Ayush, Sri Jadav Prataprao Ganpatro, expressed his commitment to exploring ways to integrate Ayurveda with modern medicine, aligning with the global trend of combining traditional and modern healthcare practices.
The expo witnessed a large gathering of delegates from around the world, showcasing the growing global interest in the potential of traditional medicine. Dr. Rao’s vision for a more integrated healthcare system resonated with many attendees, marking a significant step towards a future where traditional and modern medicine work hand in hand for the betterment of humanity.
