About 50 Indian Forest Service officers from different batches toured the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Delhi as part of their career training program, organized under the aegis of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The visit provided an opportunity for the officers to gain insights into the field of Ayurveda and its significance in forest conservation and healthcare.
The visit of Indian Forest Service officers to the AIIA served as a valuable learning experience. It provided a platform for collaboration and exchange of knowledge between the forest officials and the institute, contributing to the collective efforts in preserving medicinal plants and promoting the holistic well-being of the people.
During the programme, a special event was organised for the officers, which was attended by distinguished guests including, Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Director of the institute Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Mr. Chandrashekhar Sanwal, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Medicinal Plant Board, IGNF Prof. Kalunge Gorakh Waman and the Dean of the institute Dr. Anand More along with other officials of AIIA. Dr Rajagopala, Dr. Galib, Dr. Pramod and other senior faculty members facilitated the visit at the hospital.
Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, addressed the gathering, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health in promoting public health. He also brought to light the significant growth of the global market for Ayurvedic medicines, which has increased from three billion dollars in 2014-15 to $18 billion in 2021.
Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director AIIA and also the Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicinal Plant Board, expressed her gratitude to the forest officials for their vital role in the conservation of medicinal trees and plants. She emphasized that 80 percent of the high-quality raw materials used in medicines are sourced from forests, underscoring the officers’ contribution to this important aspect. Prof. Nesari also shed light on the achievements and significance of AIIA in advancing the field of Ayurveda.
Chandrashekhar Sanwal, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Medicinal Plant Board, highlighted the board’s contribution to the manufacturing of quality medicines and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the board and the Forest Department. He also mentioned the release of an important publication, Comic Pro Ayushman, by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This comic is a favourite amongst children as it provides quick remedies for health-related issues.
