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Sakeena Itoo made these remarks while speaking as Chief Guest at the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 celebrations organised by the Directorate of AYUSH, Jammu & Kashmir, under the theme "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrowâ.
The Minister said Ayurveda is an important part of India's traditional knowledge and is increasingly receiving global recognition, adding that the theme reflects the growing relevance of Ayurveda in preventive healthcare, wellness and community wellbeing. Sakeena Itoo emphasised the need to strengthen an integrative approach to healthcare in J&K, including greater co-location of AYUSH services in healthcare institutions. She appreciated the contribution of the Directorate of AYUSH through inter-sectoral convergence and its participation in programmes such as Nasha Mukt Bharat, Anaemia Mukt Bharat and prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
Highlighting the strengthening of AYUSH infrastructure, the Minister referred to the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Kulgam, progress of hospitals at Kathua and Samba and the Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital at Amargarh, Sopore. She said District AYUSH Officer posts have been created and filled to strengthen district-level functioning.
The Minister also highlighted J&K's rich medicinal plant wealth and appreciated initiatives such as school herbal gardens, farmer training, buyer-seller meet and medicinal plant cultivation. She noted the participation of approximately 87,110 people in International Day of Yoga 2026 and the contribution of AYUSH services during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, where 39,609 Yoga sessions benefited 1,56,672 participants.
Sakeena Itoo added that AYUSH's contribution to preventive and community healthcare is growing through Yoga, public-health programmes, outreach and awareness initiatives, while the medicinal plants sector is being strengthened through conservation, cultivation, farmer training, value addition and industry linkages.
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal, Government Medical College Jammu, and Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor; Director AYUSH, Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo; Director Health Services, Jammu; and former officers of the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, were present on the occasion.
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta delivered a presentation on "Ayurveda and Cancer," highlighting the emerging scope of research and innovation in Ayurveda and the need for systematic research, scientific validation and greater collaboration between Ayurveda institutions, medical colleges and research organisations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo highlighted the expanding reach of AYUSH services across the Union Territory and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with evidence, research and innovation.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening quality AYUSH services, preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, research and innovation across Jammu and Kashmir.
