The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) recently approved the AYUSH Secretary extension for Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha. Consequently, the incumbent official will continue to lead the Ministry of AYUSH until June 28, 2027. This decision marks a significant moment for the administration of traditional medicine systems in India. Furthermore, it ensures stability in leadership during a critical phase of healthcare integration.
AYUSH Secretary Extension Details
According to the official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Kotecha will continue on existing terms and conditions. Specifically, his service is extended on a contract basis until further orders. Previously, his tenure was set to expire in June 2026. Therefore, this extension allows him to complete pending healthcare initiatives.
Notably, this is the fifth extension granted to the senior official. Kotecha originally joined the ministry in 2017 through the lateral entry route as a Special Secretary. Since then, the government has repeatedly trusted his strategic vision. For instance, he received two two-year extensions in 2020 and 2022. Subsequently, he received two one-year extensions in 2024 and 2025.
A Distinguished Career in Ayurveda
Before his bureaucratic role, Kotecha built an illustrious career as an Ayurveda physician. He completed his post-graduation from Gujarat Ayurved University in Jamnagar. Later, he served as its Vice-Chancellor from 2013 to 2016. In addition, he founded the Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic and Research Centre in Jaipur in 1998. Consequently, his deep domain expertise has been instrumental in mainstreaming traditional medicine, a field that increasingly requires professional standards similar to those found in a certification course in general practice.
His contributions have also earned him high national honors. In 2015, he received the prestigious Padma Shri award in the medicine category. This recognition highlighted his effort in propagating Ayurveda globally. In conclusion, his extended leadership is expected to strengthen the ministry’s domestic and international collaborations, further bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern clinical healthcare training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha?
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha is a renowned Ayurveda physician, former Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Ayurved University, and the current Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH in India.
Q2: How long is the newly extended tenure of the AYUSH Secretary?
His tenure has been extended by one year, allowing him to serve until June 28, 2027.
Q3: When did Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha first join the AYUSH Ministry?
He joined the Ministry of AYUSH in 2017 as a Special Secretary through the lateral entry route.
References
- Centre extends AYUSH Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha’s tenure till June 2027 – ETHealthworld
- Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha’s tenure gets fifth extension till June 28 next year – PTI
Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.