Kerala Health Minister Advocates Integrative Cancer Care with Indigenous Medicine Systems
Thiruvananthapuram, February 18: Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has called for scientifically harnessing the potential of various indigenous systems of medicine to reduce pain, stress, and side effects among cancer patients. Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Convergence on Co-operative Oncology (ICCO 2026) at the Government Ayurveda College Auditorium here on Tuesday, the Minister emphasised the importance of a holistic approach that blends traditional knowledge with modern medical advances.
The Minister noted that in cancer treatment, psychological comfort and mental well-being are as important as physical health. He urged experts from different disciplines to collaboratively evaluate how diet, psychological support, and therapies from systems such as Ayurveda could help alleviate the difficulties faced by patients undergoing cancer treatment. “The knowledge and treatment methods available in different indigenous systems of medicine should be scientifically made use of for the well-being of patients,” he said.
Kerala has a strong tradition of Ayurveda, with a well-developed infrastructure of hospitals and treatment centres. Mr. Muraleedharan expressed confidence that integrating the age-old practices of Ayurveda with the advancements in modern medicine could create complementary cancer treatment models. He also mentioned that suggestions from Ayurveda experts would be sought in the process of forming the proposed Ayush University, to ensure that the institution reflects the expertise and needs of the field.
The conference, themed “One Patient, Many Systems of Medicine,” brought together oncologists, Ayurvedic physicians, homeopathy practitioners, researchers, policy experts, palliative care workers, patients, and cancer survivors. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue on integrative approaches that place the patient at the centre of care, combining the strengths of multiple medical systems while adhering to scientific scrutiny and safety standards.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition in India’s healthcare landscape of the need to move beyond conventional silos and embrace collaborative models. However, health experts stress that any integration must be evidence-based, with rigorous research into the efficacy and safety of traditional therapies before they are routinely recommended. The Minister's remarks align with this broader vision, advocating for a patient-first approach that values both technological innovation and traditional wisdom.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to deliberate on practical pathways for collaborative oncology care, including standardisation of protocols, training of healthcare professionals, and building research partnerships. The outcome of these discussions could have implications for cancer care policies in Kerala and beyond, potentially setting a precedent for integrative medicine in India.
