Health is being "embedded" in the growth story of the country as India charts an impressive growth curve that is being recognised at various global platforms, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said.
"True to the philosophy of development for all, health is being embedded in the growth story of India. India is at an exciting phase of development and being recognised at various global platforms to be charting an impressive growth curve," Nadda said.
He was speaking at the 20th convocation ceremony of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) at Bengaluru where Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu was also present.
Noting that NIMHANS is successfully blending traditional and modern systems of health care, Nadda said that the AYUSH centre at NIMHANS has "thoughtfully and diligently" developed an evidence base for integrating Yoga therapies for mental and neurological problems.
"This is the right time to look for its expansion and to mainstream these approaches in healthcare. I am sure Yoga has much to offer in helping us manage these conditions. I wouldlike NIMHANS to suggest methods and mechanisms that would further facilitate this integration," he said.
NIMHANS has taken steps to host the genetic and cellular repository of patients with mental health problems, which is a first-of-its-kind step in India, Nadda said.
He asserted that this "futuristic" vision heralds the utilisation of existing and emerging cutting-edge technologies which will go a long way towards understanding the biology of mental disorders.
"The repository is being built under the prestigious and aspirational mission of the Prime Minister under the programme, 'Accelerating the application of Stem cell technology in Human Disease'.
"This is a giant collaborative effort that involves eminent and premier Indian institutions including NIMHANS, NCBS, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, among others," he said.
Noting that NIMHANS has acquired facilities like Gamma knife, fMRI, PET MRI, MEG, proteonomics laboratory, Nadda said that initiating a comprehensive centre for rehabilitation, centres for addiction medicine, well-being, public health, legal aid, brain bank are trend-setters as well.
The health minister congratulated the graduating students and praised their hard work, diligence and industriousness.
