New Delhi, March 27 Emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to healthcare, public health experts on Friday said the system must move beyond curative care and adopt preventive, promotional, and holistic models.
These observations were made at the 4th annual summit on "Advancing Holistic Health through Innovation, Technology, and Tradition," held in Delhi, where policymakers, clinicians, and industry representatives discussed the evolving healthcare needs of the country, according to a statement.
Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Bhushan, former Secretary to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that healthcare extends far beyond treatment and includes preventive, promotional, palliative, and rehabilitative services, many of which are rooted in communities.
He said that rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, rising stress, and increased screen time are contributing to a growing burden of chronic diseases, highlighting the need for a shift from reactive to preventive healthcare systems.
With the nation's population exceeding 1.4 billion and facing diverse access challenges, Bhushan said that community-based programs and institutions like the Illness to Wellness Foundation can play a key role in promoting health-seeking behavior.
He added that the national healthcare ecosystem, comprising both modern medicine and traditional systems under AYUSH, offers significant opportunities for integrated care.
Highlighting the role of technology, he said that tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, when combined with digital public health infrastructure like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the Ayushman Bharat Health Account, can improve efficiency.
Speaking on holistic well-being, Manoj Nesari, Senior Chief Medical Officer (SAG), CGHS, highlighted traditional concepts such as "aarogya" and "swasth," describing health as a state of physical, mental, and nutritional well-being aligned with one's natural balance.
Flagging the declining emphasis on dietary diversity and seasonal food practices in modern lifestyles, he said that health should be viewed as a shared responsibility between individuals, communities, and the environment.
The summit featured discussions on mental health, stress management, and the role of digital health tools like telemedicine and data-driven technologies in improving access and early detection.
Experts also highlighted the importance of integrating practices such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, and Ayurveda with modern clinical care to enhance overall well-being, it stated.
The program concluded with a special session and an award ceremony recognizing contributions to the wellness ecosystem, the statement added.