Cancer patients are finding renewed strength and improved quality of life at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, where modern oncology is being thoughtfully integrated with ayurveda and yoga. Through this holistic approach, the institute is helping patients better manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer.
Integrative Oncology OPD Benefits Over 150 Patients
Since its launch in November 2025, the Integrative Oncology outpatient department (OPD) at AIIA Goa has supported more than 150 patients. The facility follows a multidisciplinary, patient-centred care model that complements conventional cancer treatment with evidence-informed ayurvedic and supportive therapies.
Vision of Patient-Centred, Evidence-Informed Care
Explaining the philosophy behind the initiative, Dr Pradeepkumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, said the Integrative Oncology Care and Research Centre (IOCRC) reflects the institute’s commitment to restoring dignity, functionality, and overall well-being in cancer patients.
To achieve this, the centre combines Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy, ayurvedic medicines, personalised diet plans, lifestyle modifications, and yoga therapy. According to ayurveda, metabolic imbalance lies at the root of disease, and improving metabolism through an integrated approach can support healing. Therefore, the focus extends beyond treating cancer to caring for the patient as a whole.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Cancer Care
As reported by NDTV, Dr Sujata Kadam, Dean (Academic and Administration), AIIA Goa, highlighted that the centre represents a significant advancement in evidence-based integrative healthcare. By blending ayurveda’s holistic strengths with modern oncology and supportive therapies, the centre addresses critical gaps in cancer care, particularly those related to quality of life.
Clinical Case Highlights Improved Outcomes
Clinicians at the centre have observed encouraging outcomes across multiple cases. One such case involved a 44-year-old woman with diabetes who was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer three years ago. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, kidney metastasis management, nephrectomy, and further chemotherapy, her quality of life declined sharply.
She experienced severe fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, joint pain, depression, and reduced mobility, leaving her unable to perform daily activities. On her daughter’s recommendation, she approached the Integrative Oncology OPD at AIIA Goa. Following treatment, she reported significant improvement in her symptoms and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Therapies Support Survivorship
According to Vaidya Sanjay Khedekar, Associate Professor and Convenor, IOCRC, the centre offers a comprehensive care package that includes ayurvedic medicines, diet therapy, yoga, lifestyle modification, psychological counselling, and specialised Rasayana therapy. This integrated approach aims to enhance survivorship and improve patients’ quality of life.
Another Case Demonstrates Symptom Relief
In another example, a 70-year-old woman with Stage-3 colon cancer underwent surgery and later sought ayurvedic care at AIIA Goa. In the post-surgical period, she suffered from flatulence, abdominal bloating, hyperacidity, insomnia, fatigue, and psychological distress.
Through ayurvedic medications, dietary interventions, yoga therapy, and counselling, she experienced gradual relief from all symptoms. Over time, clinicians observed a marked improvement in her overall quality-of-life parameters.
Sharing her experience, the patient said the counselling on lifestyle, diet, and medicines was particularly effective and helped her feel better day by day.
Multidisciplinary Model Strengthens Integrative Care
The centre operates as a multidisciplinary facility offering truly integrated, patient-centred care. To further strengthen evidence-based research, AIIA Goa signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on National Ayurveda Day, September 23, 2025, with the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa, and ACTREC–Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.
Under this MoU, an integrative oncology joint clinic evaluates patients collaboratively. Oncologists from Tata Memorial Centre, private oncologists from Goa, and ayurveda physicians from AIIA Goa jointly assess patients, finalise treatment plans through multidisciplinary discussions, and offer patients the option to adopt integrative care.
Structured Care Pathway Ensures Measurable Outcomes
The IOCRC integrates ayurveda-based medical therapy, diet and lifestyle interventions, Rasayana therapy, yoga, physiotherapy, and modern oncology consultations. This model enables comprehensive assessment, individualised care planning, caregiver counselling, and structured follow-up.
Through standardised documentation and outcome tracking, the centre aims to achieve measurable functional gains and sustained improvements in quality of life.
Policy Support and Future Expansion Plans
The momentum for integrative healthcare has also gained policy-level support. During a recent interaction with AYUSH and wellness stakeholders in Panaji, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised the state’s potential in holistic wellness and called for clear guidelines to strengthen integrated care. He reiterated Goa’s vision of emerging as a global wellness and medical value travel hub.
Aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, which promotes integrative, preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative healthcare, the IOCRC now plans to develop standardised treatment guidelines and generate robust evidence. Moving forward, the goal is to replicate this integrative oncology model at larger public health levels, ensuring wider access to holistic cancer care.