The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), in partnership with Cadila Pharmaceuticals, recently convened “Vishwa Ayurved Samvad,” an academic forum exploring Ayurveda’s potential to address the soaring cost of healthcare in the United States.

 

With healthcare spending in the US approaching 18% of GDP, driven by chronic disease and expensive interventions, experts discussed how Ayurveda’s preventive and lifestyle-focused approach could complement modern medicine to improve patient outcomes and lower long-term costs.

 

“We have learnt how Ayurveda can be integrated with modern medicine to achieve better outcomes for patients. Our mission is to transmit this knowledge in a structured and scientific manner, showing how Ayurveda and contemporary medicine can work together for the best results,” said Dr Charles Elder, global pioneer in integrative medicine and Executive Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda at Maharshi International University (MIU).

 

“In the United States, it is essential that licensed physicians are trained to understand authentic Ayurveda, and for that we need strong resources, collaborators and institutional support. We are encouraged by the growing interest and are close to finalising formal frameworks that will help take this work forward,” he added.

 

Dr Amit Shah, Chairman of AAPI’s Ayurveda Consortium, stressed the urgency of integrating holistic approaches amid rising US healthcare costs.

 

“Healthcare costs in the US continue to rise, while complications from purely intervention-driven approaches remain a concern. This is not a debate of Ayurveda versus allopathy. Our focus is patient well-being, irrespective of medical discipline. 

 

"If something works and benefits the patient, it should be part of care. Just as yoga has seen widespread adoption in the US over the last 15-20 years, Ayurveda has the relevance to become an integral tool in holistic treatment,” he said.

 

Shah outlined the Consortium’s three pillars: education and training, research, and quality product development.

 

“Ayurveda’s strong preventive focus can significantly reduce healthcare costs over time. This is not about sentiment or heritage. Integrated science has become a necessity. There is also a significant opportunity for high-quality, well-researched Ayurvedic medicines in the US,” he added.

 

Discussions also highlighted quality and contamination concerns in Ayurvedic products. A state-level working group in Gujarat, including allopathic and Ayurvedic practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders, has been established to develop globally acceptable, high-quality Ayurvedic products and integrated healthcare practices.

 

“For Ayurveda to gain wider acceptance internationally, particularly in regulated markets like the US, ensuring quality and safety of medicines is critical. Industry, academia and medical professionals must work together to strengthen standards and build trust, so that the true benefits of Ayurveda are not undermined by quality concerns,” said Dr Manjul Joshipura, President of Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

 

The session drew leading Ayurvedic scholars and practitioners from both allopathic and traditional medicine backgrounds, signaling a growing push for integrated, patient-centered healthcare solutions.