Saushrutam 2026: International Seminar on Ayurvedic Surgery Inaugurated at AIIA

Why in News?

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Saushrutam 2026 on 15 July 2026 at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, the three-day international seminar coincided with Sushruta Jayanti and focused on promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic surgery, research, and collaboration among Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, and medical institutions.

What is Saushrutam 2026?

Saushrutam 2026 is an international seminar on Ayurvedic surgery held from 15 to 17 July 2026, preceded by a hands-on workshop on 14 July 2026. The seminar serves as a platform for discussing the integration of classical Ayurvedic surgical knowledge with modern scientific research and clinical practices.

The event brought together medical experts, academicians, surgeons, researchers, and policymakers to explore innovations in Ayurvedic surgery, evidence generation, and interdisciplinary healthcare.

Sushruta and the Legacy of Ayurvedic Surgery

Ayurvedic surgery traces its origins to Acharya Sushruta, one of the greatest physicians of ancient India. He is regarded as the Father of Surgery because of his pioneering contributions to surgical science documented in the Sushruta Samhita, one of Ayurveda’s most important classical texts.

The Sushruta Samhita describes numerous surgical procedures, instruments, wound management techniques, fracture treatment, plastic surgery, ophthalmic operations, and principles of anatomy. Every year, Sushruta Jayanti is observed to honour his contributions to medicine and surgery.

Major Announcements and Developments

Several important initiatives were unveiled during Saushrutam 2026.

President Murmu inaugurated an AI-powered 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, enhancing advanced diagnostic capabilities within the institution.

She also released a study conducted by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) examining the career progression and professional experiences of women graduates in Ayurveda.

During the seminar, Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that postgraduate Ayurveda surgeons who receive specialised training are now authorised to perform 58 categories of surgical procedures, comprising 39 general surgeries and 19 surgeries related to ophthalmology, ENT, and dentistry, as permitted under existing regulations.

The seminar also highlighted recent efforts by various states to strengthen Ayurveda infrastructure. In June 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Government announced plans to equip Ayurveda hospitals with modern medical equipment following Sushrut Kon-2026 held in Varanasi.

Significance

Saushrutam 2026 reflects India’s continued efforts to promote scientifically validated Ayurveda, strengthen research in traditional medicine, and integrate modern diagnostic technologies with classical healthcare practices. The seminar also supports the broader objectives of the Ministry of Ayush in improving healthcare delivery, encouraging evidence-based research, and expanding the global recognition of India’s traditional medical systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• Saushrutam 2026 was organised by the Ministry of Ayush at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
• The seminar was held from 15 to 17 July 2026 on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti.
• Sushruta is regarded as the Father of Surgery in ancient Indian medicine.
• Sushruta Samhita is one of the principal classical texts of Ayurveda.
• AIIA functions under the Ministry of Ayush.
• A new AI-powered 3 Tesla MRI facility was inaugurated during the event.
• Trained postgraduate Ayurveda surgeons are permitted to perform 58 categories of surgeries, including 39 general surgeries and 19 eye, ENT, and dental surgeries.
• The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) released a study on the career paths of women Ayurveda graduates during the seminar.