Other systems of medicine should be harnessed to benefit cancer patients, says Kerala Minister
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has advocated for integrating traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda with modern oncology to improve cancer patient care. The initiative aims to address the psychological and physical side effects of treatment through a multidisciplinary approach.
Why it matters
It reflects a growing policy interest in integrative medicine to enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing intensive cancer treatments.
The potential of various systems of medicine to reduce the pain, stress and side effects of cancer treatment should be harnessed for the benefit of cancer patients, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has said.
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 added, while inaugurating the International Convergence on Co-operative Oncology (ICCO 2026), held at the Government Ayurveda College Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
In cancer treatment, psychological comfort and mental wellbeing of patients is as important as his/her physical health. Experts from various fields must come together to scientifically evaluate how diet, psychological support and different therapies available with medicine systems like Ayurveda can help ease the difficulties and side effects of cancer treatment in patients, Mr. Muraleedharan said.
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