PANAJI — Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has intensified his government’s push for a “wellness-oriented” healthcare model, urging a shift from reactive treatment to preventive care rooted in the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) systems.
Scaling Up AYUSH Infrastructure
In a series of recent announcements, the Chief Minister detailed an ambitious expansion of traditional medicine facilities across the state:
- Secretariat Wellness Centre: On April 2, 2026, CM Sawant inaugurated a dedicated AYUSH Wellness Centre at the Porvorim Secretariat. The facility is designed to provide government staff and visitors with yoga sessions, lifestyle consultations, and integrated Ayurvedic and Homeopathic services.
- Statewide Expansion: The government has sanctioned 28 new AYUSH centres to be established at various levels, including the Goa Medical College (GMC), District Hospitals, and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
- Integrated Oncology: A specialized “integrated oncology” OPD will soon be launched at GMC in collaboration with the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Tata Memorial Hospital to support cancer care through holistic methods.
The Economic Case for Prevention
Speaking at the Goa Council of Ayurveda, Dr. Sawant highlighted the high cost of modern lifestyle management, noting that citizens often pay exorbitant fees to dieticians for routine consultations. He urged Ayurvedic practitioners to open preventive healthcare clinics that offer traditional wisdom like ‘Dinacharya’ (daily routine) and ‘Ritucharya’ (seasonal routine) as affordable alternatives for maintaining health.
Positioning Goa as a Global Wellness Hub
CM Sawant recently unveiled the Goa Wellness, Ayurveda, and Yoga Policy 2026 during the India International Ayurveda & Wellness Expo. The policy aims to:
- Drive Health Tourism: Position Goa as a premier destination for international medical tourists seeking traditional healing.
- Research-Based Practice: Strengthen medical education and promote evidence-based traditional medicine.
- Inclusive Healthcare: Ensure that preventive health check-ups and early diagnosis are accessible to every citizen, especially women and rural populations.
With over 200 Health and Wellness Centres already operational, the Chief Minister reiterated that the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH in the state—a move welcomed by the medical fraternity—will be a “historic step” in reducing the overall burden on Goa’s healthcare services.
