“Prayas” – India’s First Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre for Children Inaugurated at AIIA Goa. 

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav Launches Landmark Facility Merging Ayurveda, Yoga, and Modern Therapies. 

Goa / New Delhi:

In a major milestone for integrative healthcare in India, “Prayas” – a first-of-its-kind Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre — was inaugurated today at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa. The centre was launched on the occasion of the 10th Ayurveda Day by Union Minister of State for Ayush (IC) and Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in the presence of Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power & New & Renewable Energy, along with senior officials, medical faculty, and dignitaries from across the Ayush and health sectors.

Bringing together Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics, “Prayas” is uniquely designed to offer holistic, patient-centric care for children suffering from neurological and developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental challenges.

A First in India: A Unified Model of Neuro-Healing

“Prayas” represents a pioneering model of integrative healthcare, blending India’s ancient healing traditions with evidence-based modern medical practices — under one roof. It focuses particularly on paediatric neuro-rehabilitation, an area often underserved in conventional healthcare models.

“The Ministry of Ayush is committed to creating centres of excellence that synergise traditional wisdom with modern medicine. ‘Prayas’ is not just a treatment centre; it is a symbol of hope and improved quality of life for patients and their families,” said Prataprao Jadhav during the inauguration.

Echoing this vision, Shripad Yesso Naik highlighted that “Prayas” would be a lifeline for countless families dealing with complex paediatric neurological conditions. “This is not only a medical initiative but a humanitarian one,” he said.

Clinical Care Meets Compassion

Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, emphasized that “Prayas” reflects the institute’s commitment to innovative integrative care. “By combining Ayurveda, Yoga, and modern rehabilitation sciences, we are creating evidence-based solutions that set new benchmarks in paediatric neuro care,” he noted.

Prof. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa, stated that “Prayas” would also function as a centre for research and training, contributing to the next generation of Ayush-led medical innovation. “Our approach is not just about treating conditions, but nurturing overall well-being and functionality in children,” she said.

The team behind this initiative includes experts from AIIA’s Kaumarbhritya (Paediatrics) Department, including Dr Sumeet Goel, Dr Rahul Ghuse, Dr Samruddhi, Dr Diksha, Dr Shalini, and rehabilitation professionals Ms Nelisha, Ms Shefali, and Ms Janice.

A Vision Aligned with National Health Priorities

“Prayas” is a direct response to India’s National Health Policy, which emphasizes integrated, affordable, and inclusive healthcare. The initiative is also in line with global best practices that increasingly endorse multidisciplinary and holistic approaches for managing chronic neurological conditions in children.

With the establishment of “Prayas”, the Ministry of Ayush further reinforces its leadership in patient-centric, integrative medicine, setting an example not just for India, but for the world.

“Prayas is not just a centre—it is a promise of care, compassion, and comprehensive healing,” said Minister Jadhav in closing, describing the initiative as a “model of integrative care and hope.”

Key Features of ‘Prayas’ at AIIA Goa:

• Focus: Paediatric neuro-rehabilitation
• Disciplines Integrated:
  • Ayurveda
  • Yoga
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Modern Paediatrics
• Goal: Holistic recovery, improved functionality, and enhanced quality of life
• Target Group: Children with neurological and developmental disorders
• Research & Training: Capacity building for future integrative practitioners

Looking Ahead

“Prayas” marks a significant step in India’s healthcare journey — combining the timeless principles of Ayurveda with modern rehabilitative care to serve a highly vulnerable section of the population. As such, it stands as a model institution for integrative medicine, which other regions and countries can emulate.