'Immense scope for promoting Ayurveda globally'

There is immense scope for promoting Ayurveda globally, prominent Indian doctors said today at the first international event hosted since India and Singapore decided to encourage the development of traditional herbal medicines.
Eight renowned Ayurvedic doctors from India gave an in-depth presentation at the first international event hosted by the Ayurvedic Practioners Association of Singapore (APAS) and India's Ministry of Ayush attended by about 200 delegates.
"We have a resounding response to the first international ayurveda conference from Indians and non-Indians here showing strong interest in ayuvedic medicines," said Dr R Indusekhar, president of APAS.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had called for an international conference to promote Ayurveda in November last year.

Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Ganeriwala outlined Ayush Ministry's capabilities to promote Ayurvedic medicine globally.
"There is immense potential of promoting ayurvedic medicines around the world. And today's conference has set that tone for putting Ayurveda on the global map," said Inusekhar, elaborating on the Ganeriwala's presentation.

In Singapore, there are over 250,000 people already using Ayurvedic medicine.
"We have 34 Ayurvedic practitoners and 14 clinics, each on average serving 5,000 new patients a year here," he said.
The conference was opened this morning by Singapore's parliament secretary Dr Faishal Muhammad Ibrahim.
India's High Commissioner to Singapore Vijay Thakur Singh felicitated specially invited Ayurveda speakers from India.

Ayurvedic medicine use in Malaysia is also increasing, said Swami S W Ramaji, founder and spiritual head of Hindu Sevai Sangam.
There 60 clinics in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur, up from about 10 five years ago, he said.
Ayurveda is also popular among three million Hindus, including the youths, in Malaysia, said Ramaji who came from Kuala Lumpur to attend the conference at Singapore.