India’s First Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre Inaugurated at AIIA Goa

Goa , September 27, 2025- In a landmark initiative to advance integrative cancer care, the Ministry of Ayush inaugurated the Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre (IORCC) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal, Goa, on the occasion of the 10th National Ayurveda Day. The centre is the first of its kind in India, designed to blend traditional and modern medical systems to provide patient-centric, evidence-informed oncology rehabilitation.

The virtual inauguration was attended by the Governor of Goa Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ayush & Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik, MLA Pravin Arlekar, and Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.

The IORCC integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, Diet Therapy, Panchakarma, and modern oncology under one roof, offering holistic, patient-centered care. The facility focuses on improving recovery, reducing treatment side effects, and enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated:
“Through collaboration with AIIA Goa and ACTREC-Tata Memorial Centre, this centre blends modern treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with evidence-based Ayurvedic therapies. It sets a benchmark for integrative cancer care in India and globally.”

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav emphasized:
“IORCC exemplifies the Ministry’s vision of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern biomedical science, offering evidence-informed rehabilitation to enhance quality of life and psychosocial well-being.”

Shripad Yesso Naik added:
“The innovative model provides hope to families facing complex health challenges and demonstrates the vital role of rehabilitation services in oncology and other medical fields.”

The centre is chaired by Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa, with Dr. Sanjay Khedekar as convener. The multidisciplinary team includes oncologists and integrative medicine specialists such as Dr. Shekhar Salkar.

Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA Delhi, highlighted the research goals:
“IORCC is committed to advancing evidence-based integrative healthcare, developing validated protocols to improve safety, efficacy, and outcomes in cancer care.”

Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam added:
“The centre will serve as a hub for advanced research, training, and innovation in integrative oncology, building capacity for AYUSH-based cancer rehabilitation.”

Senior officials, academic leaders, and clinicians attended the inauguration, signaling a major step in integrating traditional and modern healthcare frameworks in India. The IORCC demonstrates India’s commitment to holistic, patient-centered care and sets a replicable model for nationwide adoption.