Private sector must contribute to development of yoga and Ayurveda: PM Modi

New Delhi [India], October 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the private sector must contribute towards development of yoga and Ayurveda by contributing a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

He also said the farming of medicinal plants will provide new employment opportunities.

"Herbal medicines are becoming popular worldwide. The farming of medicinal plants will give new employment opportunities. India's coastal areas should be explored for new discoveries in this field.

More investment is needed in this sector for better growth. The private sector must contribute towards the development of yoga and Ayurveda by contributing a part of their CSR funds," Prime Minister Modi said after inaugurating the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi's Sarita Vihar area and dedicating it to the nation on occasion of Second Ayurveda Day.

"There should be a Ayurveda hospital in every district of India and the Ministry of AYUSH is working in this direction. In three years, more than 65 Ayurveda hospitals have been built," he said.

The Prime Minister also praised the Ministry of AYUSH for the foundation of the Ayurvedic institute and appealed to people to maintain their faith in Ayurveda.

"People educated in Ayurveda must have full faith in Ayurveda. There's a long list of benefits of Ayurveda and people are showing interest in traditional medicines. Expect an environment of wellness so that people don't have to visit hospitals," he said.

"We forgot our heritage for a long time, but now, we have started remembering it again. No country can progress by forgetting its heritage. A country can't move forward if it isn't proud of its culture and heritage. The identity of the countries comes to an end if they move beyond their legacies," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also assured that his government is putting in efforts to integrate traditional medicinal practices with modern healthcare.

"Ayurveda and yoga can be effective for our soldiers as it can boost their immunity," he said.

While speaking on Ayurvedic education, he said that the existing stream or module of instruction should be revisited and supported with the issuing of certificates at every level of Ayurvedic education.

The Prime Minister also put more emphasis on better and modern packaging of Ayurvedic medicines, saying there is a need for research on medicines providing immediate relief without side effects.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said, "We respect every health system and want the growth of all.

The government wants that the poor get access to the healthcare system." (ANI)