The Central Government has extended the tenure of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, until June 2027, ensuring continuity in the implementation of key initiatives aimed at promoting traditional systems of medicine and integrative healthcare in India. The latest decision marks the fifth extension granted to the senior official since his appointment to the ministry.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha joined the Ministry of AYUSH in 2017 through the lateral entry route as a Special Secretary, becoming one of the first professionals from the private sector to assume a senior leadership role in the Government of India. He was subsequently elevated to the position of Secretary and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the ministry’s policy framework, institutional expansion and global outreach efforts.

During his tenure, the Ministry of AYUSH has witnessed significant growth in terms of infrastructure, education, research and international collaboration. The ministry has expanded initiatives related to Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy while promoting evidence based research and integration with mainstream healthcare systems.

Under Kotecha’s leadership, the ministry has also accelerated the implementation of flagship programmes such as the National AYUSH Mission, which supports the development of AYUSH healthcare facilities, educational institutions and quality control mechanisms across states and Union Territories. The ministry has further strengthened international cooperation, with traditional Indian medicine gaining recognition in several countries and global health forums.

One of the landmark achievements during this period was the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which has positioned India as a global hub for traditional medicine research, innovation and policy development. The ministry has also focused on digital health initiatives, medicinal plant promotion and standardization of AYUSH products to enhance their credibility and accessibility.

According to official data, India currently has more than 9 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners, over 900 AYUSH colleges, and thousands of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries serving patients across the country. The sector has also witnessed increased public acceptance, particularly in preventive healthcare, wellness and chronic disease management.

The extension comes at a time when the government is seeking to further strengthen the role of traditional medicine within the broader healthcare ecosystem. Policy experts believe continuity in leadership will help maintain momentum in ongoing reforms, research initiatives and international collaborations that are contributing to the growth of the AYUSH sector.

With the tenure extension now approved until June 2027, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha is expected to continue driving the ministry’s efforts to expand access to traditional healthcare services, strengthen scientific validation of AYUSH systems and enhance India’s leadership in the global traditional medicine landscape.