Press Release

Traditional Medicine Holds Key to Global Goals of Universal Health Coverage: Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush

ASSOCHAM’s wellness conference highlighted the global potential of traditional medicine in achieving universal health and holistic wellness goals.

India’s Holistic Health Future Lies in Synergizing Traditional Medicine with Modern Policy and Practice. Global goals like Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.3 can only be achieved when traditional medicine is considered an essential component of the national health policy and wellness delivery system, said Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, at the 3rd Conference on Beauty, Wellness, and Traditional Medicine organized by ASSOCHAM.

"Holistic health is a fundamental right, and to truly achieve it, India must integrate traditional systems into the core of its healthcare framework," he added.

The conference, themed "From Tradition to Transformation: Shaping the Future of Holistic Health," brought together key stakeholders from industry and policy circles to deliberate on this important issue. In her welcome address, Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Co-Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National Wellness Council and Chairperson of Aroma Magic Pvt. Ltd., said, “Beauty and wellness are not just about appearance; they are a reflection of balance, harmony, and inner well-being. When the mind is calm, the body nourished, and the soul connected to nature, beauty flows effortlessly. By aligning nature, science, and self-care, we don’t just enhance how we look, we elevate how we feel and live.”

Highlighting the role of the nutraceutical industry in shaping a healthier future, Mr. Suresh Garg, CMD of Zeon Lifesciences Ltd., stated, “The nutraceutical industry is shaping a healthier future by focusing on prevention and wellness. India’s blend of rich heritage wisdom and modern science gives us a unique edge. By working together—industry, academia, and government—we can ensure safe, high-quality solutions that build trust, foster global leadership, and make a positive impact on millions of lives, both here and around the world.”

Delivering the industry address, Mr. Vikas Tiwari, Lead - Regulatory Affairs-HPC, Reliance Retail, emphasized that the standardization of beauty and cosmetic products is fundamental to ensuring consumer safety and reinforcing market credibility. “Clear, product-specific standards—from accurate ingredient labeling to rigorous testing—help eliminate misleading claims and sub-standard goods. By adhering to regulatory benchmarks like those set by CDSCO and BIS, the industry not only protects public health but also empowers Indian brands to compete confidently at home and abroad,” he said.

Deliberations at the conference centered on the immense potential that India’s beauty and wellness heritage holds in leading the global shift toward Holistic Wellness. “By investing in skill development, standardization, and innovation, we are not only preserving our traditional wisdom but are also preparing a future-ready workforce to take India’s offerings to the world stage and make India the skill capital of the world,” said Ms. Monica Bahl, CEO of the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council.

Meanwhile, Dr. Baidyanath Mishra, Head of R&D (Healthcare) at Dabur, noted, “AYUSH represents India’s rich heritage of holistic healing and preventive wellness.”

Ms. Vedika Sharma, President of Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt Ltd, shared that Baidyanath Ayurved has always believed in the power of traditional wisdom. Supporting this program reflects their continued commitment to advancing Ayurveda and creating a stronger, globally respected wellness ecosystem.