Ministry of Ayush Inaugurates India’s First Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre at AIIA Goa
Centre brings Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, and modern oncology together for holistic cancer rehabilitation
In a landmark move towards transforming cancer care through integrative medicine, the Ministry of Ayush inaugurated the Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre (IORCC) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal, Goa, on the occasion of the 10th National Ayurveda Day. This state-of-the-art institute is the first-of-its-kind in India, designed to bring together traditional and modern medical systems to offer patient-centric, evidence-informed oncology rehabilitation.
The virtual inauguration was done by Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of Goa, in the presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush & MoS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Union MoS, Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Shri Pravin Arlekar, MLA, Pernem; and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
A First-of-its-Kind Centre in India
The IORCC is among the first multidisciplinary centres in the country to integrate Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, Diet Therapy, Panchakarma, and modern oncology under one roof. It is designed to provide holistic, patient-centred care with a special focus on supporting cancer patients through comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant said:
“The Integrative Oncology Center at AIIA Goa is a landmark step in our fight against cancer. Through the collaboration of the Government of Goa, AIIA Goa, and ACTREC of Tata Memorial Center, we are creating a model of care that blends modern treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with evidence-based Ayurvedic therapies. This centre will help improve recovery, reduce side effects, and strengthen immunity, setting a benchmark for integrative cancer care not only in India but across the world.”
Ayush as a Catalyst for Healthcare Innovation
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the Ministry’s broader vision:
“The Ministry of Ayush is committed to establishing Centres of Excellence that integrate traditional knowledge systems with contemporary biomedical science. The IORCC exemplifies this vision by offering evidence-informed integrative rehabilitation that complements conventional cancer care and enhances patients’ quality of life and psychosocial well-being.”
Reinforcing this perspective, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik added:
“The innovative model adopted at AIIA Goa provides new hope for countless families navigating complex health challenges. Rehabilitation services play a vital role not only in cancer but also in managing neurological and developmental disorders.”
Leadership and Clinical Expertise
The Centre would be chaired by Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean, AIIA Goa, with Dr. Sanjay Khedekar serving as the convener. The clinical and academic team includes noted oncologists and integrative medicine specialists, including Dr. Shekhar Salkar and other faculty from AIIA Goa.
Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director, AIIA Delhi, underlined the research objectives of the Centre:
“The IORCC reflects AIIA’s commitment to advancing evidence-based integrative healthcare. By combining Ayurveda, Yoga, and modern rehabilitation sciences, the centre aims to develop validated protocols that improve the safety, efficacy, and overall outcomes of cancer care.”
Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean, AIIA Goa, further emphasized:
“IORCC is not only designed to deliver multidisciplinary clinical care but will also serve as a hub for advanced research, training, and innovation in integrative oncology. It will contribute significantly to capacity-building in AYUSH-based cancer rehabilitation.”
A Step Towards National Health Integration
The inauguration was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, academic leaders from AIIA, and key clinicians from the integrative oncology team. With the establishment of IORCC, the Ministry of Ayush reaffirms its vision to create integrated healthcare frameworks that align with India’s National Health Policy and global best practices.
This initiative is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem by combining the wisdom of traditional systems with the rigour of modern medicine, offering a model that could be replicated across the country.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by Pib.
