Why in news?
In September 2025 the Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Prayas” at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa. The centre offers integrated care for children with neurological and developmental disorders by blending Ayurveda with modern rehabilitation therapies.
Background
Cerebral palsy, autism and developmental delays affect many Indian children. Effective management often requires physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical intervention. Families struggle with fragmented services and high costs. Ayurveda offers therapies for improving motor and cognitive functions, but integration with modern methods has been limited.
Features of Prayas
- Integrated care: Ayurveda doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, yoga instructors, speech therapists and paediatricians work together to tailor treatment plans for each child.
- Evidence‑based approach: Modern diagnostic tools assess progress. Research collaborations ensure that traditional therapies are scientifically validated and refined.
- Holistic environment: The centre provides sensory‑friendly rooms, play therapy areas and counselling for parents, enabling therapy to continue at home.
- Training hub: Prayas serves as a model for integrating AYUSH and modern medicine. It conducts training programmes for healthcare workers and shares protocols with other institutes.
Significance
- Offers affordable, comprehensive care for children with special needs, improving their quality of life and reducing parental stress.
- Demonstrates the potential of blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine to develop innovative therapies.
- Contributes to the government’s goal of “Jan Arogya” by expanding access to preventive and rehabilitative healthcare.
- Could inspire similar centres across India, especially in underserved regions, creating a network of holistic rehabilitation services.