Ayurveda sector to contribute to achieving tourism industry’s target revenue of US$ 8,500 Mn

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the indigenous medicine sector will be developed under three main streams, aiming to contribute to the tourism industry with a target of earning US$ 8,500 million in revenue.

He made these remarks during a discussion with officials and staff while inspecting the Indigenous Medicine Ministry, following his assumption of duties as Minister.

During the inspection tour, Dr. Jayatissa identified several shortcomings in the indigenous medical service and pledged to address solvable issues promptly. Extensive discussions were held with officials to gather information and develop future plans for the sector.

The Minister emphasised steps to strengthen the existing Ayurveda sector to improve public health. He outlined plans to integrate Western, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, Traditional, and Indigenous medical systems into a unified system, to be implemented at selected locations at a research level. He highlighted the potential of developing the Ayurveda sector to attract tourism.

Dr. Jayatissa noted that 1,164 Government hospitals currently operate under the Western medical system, while 112 hospitals belong to the Ayurveda sector. He affirmed his commitment to upgrading these facilities and bringing them to an advanced level.

He stressed that the Government’s priority is to identify the unique features of the indigenous medical system and integrate them with the tourism industry to boost economic growth.

The Minister further revealed the Government’s plan to attract four million tourists within the next two years, aiming for three million tourists by next year. He stated that leveraging the indigenous medical sector’s unique offerings is a critical strategy to achieve the targeted US$ 8,500 million income from tourism.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Ayurveda Commissioner General Dr. Dhammika Abeygunawardena, Additional Secretaries of the Indigenous Medical Division Shammi Hadawatte and Chandana Thilakaratne, and other ministry staff.

The post Ayurveda sector to contribute to achieving tourism industry’s target revenue of US$ 8,500 Mn appeared first on DailyNews.