Yoga in Medical Education: A Step Towards Student Well-being

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of Yoga’s holistic approach in promoting medical students’ well-being.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025, the Minister highlighted the integration of Yoga into the MBBS curriculum as a crucial step toward enhancing student health and managing academic stress.

Key Initiatives by the National Medical Commission (NMC)

• A mandatory 10-day Yoga module has been introduced for all MBBS students.
• Faculty members are also encouraged to participate.
• This initiative precedes the International Day of Yoga on 21st June, promoting daily Yoga practice across institutions.
• As part of this module, students will perform 1 hour of Yoga daily, based on a structured plan developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).

Early Induction and Long-Term Benefits

Yoga has also been incorporated into the induction course at the start of the 1st year of MBBS studies. This early exposure introduces students to effective stress management techniques and reinforces the importance of holistic health practices from the outset of their medical education.

Shri Jadhav emphasized that these efforts are essential for building mental resilience and equipping future doctors with the tools to manage academic pressures while safeguarding their overall well-being.