Minister Jual Oram Urges Inclusion of Cellular Therapies in Ayushman Bharat

Dr. Alok Sharma elected President of IANR 2025; India now ahead of China in regenerative medicine, says Dr. Hongyun Huang

India reaffirmed its global leadership in regenerative medicine as the 17th Annual Conference of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) and the 7th Annual Conference of the Society of Regenerative Sciences (SRS India) began today at The Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

The two-day event (October 17–18, 2025) has brought together over 500 leading doctors, scientists, and patient representatives from India and abroad to deliberate on the latest breakthroughs in stem cell therapy, neurorestoration, and regenerative medicine.

Minister Jual Oram Inaugurates the Conference; Calls for Cell Therapy Under Ayushman Bharat

The conference was inaugurated by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, who lauded Indian researchers for placing India among global leaders in regenerative medicine.

Highlighting the transformative potential of cellular therapies, he said:

“I will request Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to consider including cell therapy for Divyang beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat. These innovations have the power to transform lives and make India a global hub for regenerative medicine.”

Shri Oram emphasized that India’s advancements in science and healthcare reflect the nation’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovative future.

Health Minister J.P. Nadda Praises India’s Emerging Leadership

In a special video address, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, commended the growing momentum in India’s regenerative medicine sector:

“India is emerging as a global leader in regenerative medicine, with doctors and researchers pioneering stem cell and cellular therapy innovations. Conferences like this bridge research, policy, and practice—helping deliver real solutions for patients with neurological and orthopedic disorders, which remain a priority area for our government.”

Regenerative Medicine: A Ray of Hope for Untreatable Disorders

The central theme of the conference revolves around cellular and regenerative therapies—advanced treatments that repair damaged tissues and restore lost functions in patients with neurological, orthopedic, and chronic degenerative diseases.

With over 2.68 crore Divyang citizens in India, delegates stressed that such therapies can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life.
India currently ranks among the top nations worldwide in scientific publications related to neurological disorders, reflecting its growing prominence in the field.

Dr. Alok Sharma: “India Leads the World in Regenerative Research”

Representing the Society of Regenerative Sciences (India), Dr. Alok Sharma highlighted India’s scientific leadership and policy potential:

“Our work in regenerative medicine offers hope to patients with no existing treatment options. India leads globally in research, and with Prime Minister Modi’s continued support for innovation and collaboration, we can make these life-changing treatments accessible to all.”

Dr. Sharma was also nominated as the President of IANR for the year 2025, underscoring India’s growing international influence in the regenerative sciences.

Dr. Hongyun Huang: “India Is More Advanced Than China in Regenerative Medicine”

Dr. Hongyun Huang, Founding President of IANR, commended India’s achievements and expressed optimism about future collaborations:

“We are grateful for the Indian government’s support and the dedication of its scientists. The purpose of neurorestoration is to recover lost neurological functions and improve patients’ quality of life. India is now more advanced than China in regenerative medicine—a truly remarkable milestone.”

Global Participation and Policy Discussions

The event has drawn participation from leading experts representing the USA, China, Poland, South Korea, Argentina, Hong Kong, and other countries.
Day 1 sessions focused on:

Emerging trends in clinical neurorestoration
Stem cell intervention advancements
Translational research models
Policy frameworks to accelerate regenerative medicine in India

These discussions aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem that combines science, ethics, and policy to support responsible innovation.

Joint Appeal: Include Cellular Therapies Under Ayushman Bharat

In a unified appeal, doctors, researchers, and patient representatives urged the Government of India to include cellular therapies for neurological, orthopedic, and other chronic disorders under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Such inclusion, they emphasized, would ensure affordable access to advanced regenerative treatments for millions of Indians, particularly those living with disabilities and degenerative diseases.