In a fresh push to reposition yoga as a public health tool, the Union Ayush Ministry has launched a comprehensive set of “Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups,” aimed at tackling India’s growing burden of lifestyle diseases. The protocols, unveiled during Yoga Mahotsav 2026 earlier this month by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, are being projected as a preventive, evidence-based intervention that could be scaled across homes, schools, workplaces and health centres.
The initiative comes at a time when India is facing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, chronic respiratory conditions and mental health disorders. According to official sources cited in the report, these conditions now account for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in the country, underscoring a major shift from infectious diseases to lifestyle-driven illness.
Developed by the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush, the protocols are structured as simple, accessible and scalable modules. They are based on scientific evidence and clinical insights, and recommend daily practice of 30 to 60 minutes combining asanas, pranayama, meditation and relaxation techniques.
Jadhav said the move reflects a larger shift in thinking about healthcare. “Prevention is the future of healthcare, and yoga is India’s answer to the rising burden of lifestyle diseases,” he said, adding, “Through these evidence-based protocols, we are empowering every citizen to take charge of their own health and well-being in a simple, accessible, and sustainable manner. By integrating yoga into daily life, we aim to shift the focus from illness to wellness, reducing long-term healthcare pressures.”
He said the initiative also reflects “our commitment to building a healthier nation through holistic, preventive, and people-centric approaches rooted in India’s rich traditional knowledge.”
What sets the protocols apart is their disease-specific design. For diabetes, the focus is on improving metabolic balance and glycaemic control. For hypertension, the practices are intended to calm the nervous system and regulate blood pressure. For bronchial asthma, the emphasis is on strengthening respiratory capacity and improving lung function. The report said studies and meta-analyses have consistently shown that such integrated yoga practices can produce measurable improvements in clinical outcomes.
The Ministry has also tailored the initiative for different age groups and life stages. The protocols include yoga modules for young children, mental health-focused routines for adolescents, mobility-enhancing practices for older adults, and specialised guidance for women and pregnant mothers. At a time when mental health concerns are rising, the modules also place strong emphasis on emotional well-being, with breathing and meditation practices aimed at reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said the protocols are “rooted in evidence and have been carefully developed to align traditional knowledge with modern clinical understanding.”
The launch also reinforces India’s effort to position yoga as a global wellness and public health strategy. By linking structured yoga practice with public health goals, the government is seeking to move yoga from a periodic activity to an everyday habit, while framing it as a tool in India’s fight against modern health challenges.
