Jadhav addresses Illness to Wellness summit
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav on Friday said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to strengthening the integrated healthcare ecosystem.
“Today, healthcare is not limited to hospitals; it must begin at home for individuals to focus on their overall well-being,” Jadhav said while addressing virtually the 4th Annual Illness to Wellness Summit in the national Capital.
The MoS (Independent Charge) for Aayush Ministry appreciated the efforts of the Illness to Wellness Foundation, FICCI, and The Pioneer for organising the summit.
Delivering the keynote address, former Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stressed that healthcare must go beyond treatment and include prevention, promotion and rehabilitation. He highlighted the importance of community-level health awareness, especially in a country as diverse as India while pointing to the role of digital initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and ABHA in improving access, efficiency and continuity of care.
The summit, themed “Advancing Holistic Health through Innovation, Technology, and Tradition,” focused on the need to shift from a reactive healthcare system to a more preventive and personalised approach.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the Advisory Council; Illness to Wellness Foundation, said that true progress lies in helping people adopt healthier lifestyles in their daily routines at home and at work.
Highlighting the role of traditional knowledge, Dr Manoj Nesari explained the concepts of aarogya and swasth, noting that health is a balanced state of physical, mental, and environmental well-being. He stressed the importance of nutrition, seasonal diets, surroundings and sustainable living practices.
Cardiologist Dr T S Kler raised concerns about the growing impact of lifestyle diseases and called for an integrated healthcare model that combines modern medicine with traditional systems like Ayurveda, along with greater public awareness.
In an engaging moment during the event, Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India, led participants through a brief session of breathing exercises and light stretching for about five minutes. The activity accentuated how simple mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve focus in everyday life.
The discussions also touched on mental health, particularly among students and working professionals and the need for supportive environments in schools and workplaces. Experts emphasised early intervention, open conversations, and the inclusion of wellness practices such as yoga and meditation.
The event closed with a strong emphasis on collaboration and awareness, with speakers agreeing that lasting change in healthcare will depend on everyday choices, community participation, and a balanced integration of modern medicine with traditional practices. The panel discussions reinforced that building a healthier India requires not just better systems, but a shift in mindset towards prevention and overall well-being.
(L-R) (Padma Bhushan) Dr T S Kler, Member, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation and Chairman & HOD - BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute & Chairman Pan Max - Electrophysiology; Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation; Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India & Chairperson, Governing Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation; Dr Manoj Nesari, Senior Chief Medical Officer (SAG), CGHS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Former Advisor, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and Dr Ravi Gaur, Co-Chair, FICCI Digital Health Task Force & Healthcare Awards and Founder - DRG Path Lab at the inaugural session of 4th Annual Summit on Illness to Wellness held in New Delhi
