Amid the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), India’s Union Ayush Ministry has launched yoga protocols that will target vulnerable groups with diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. The “Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups” is a significant push towards reshaping the country’s healthcare narrative from treatment to prevention, PTI reported. NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders are increasing significantly in the country. These also account for about 60 percent of all deaths in the country, signaling a clear need to focus on preventing the lifestyle-driven illnesses.Also Read: IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma's Transformation Impresses Nita Ambani; Fitness Secrets Revealed Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, noted that prevention of these conditions is important for the better health of the nation, and yoga is India’s answer to the rising burden of lifestyle diseases. “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. “This initiative reflects our commitment to building a healthier nation through holistic, preventive, and people-centric approaches rooted in India’s rich traditional knowledge,” the minister added. What Are The Protocols? It is part of the Yoga Mahotsav 2026, launched earlier this month by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The protocols are designed as structured, evidence-based modules that integrate Yogic practices into daily life in a simple, accessible, and scalable manner. The initiative has specific yoga interventions curated for major health conditions such as: diabetes — improving metabolic balance and glycemic control; hypertension — calming the nervous system and regulating blood pressure; bronchial asthma — strengthening respiratory capacity and improving lung functionemotional well-being — breathing and meditation aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.Also read: Hydration, Energy, Calm: The Science Behind Sattvic Diet In SummerFurther, it includes playful yoga modules for young children mental health-focused routines for adolescents, mobility-enhancing practices for the elderly specialized guidelines for women and pregnant mothers. Yoga 365 The Ministry of Ayush has also launched Yoga 365 — a nationwide campaign to make yoga an integral part of citizens' daily lives — that goes beyond the International Day of Yoga (IDY), marked annually on June 21 worldwide. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS), awareness of traditional systems like yoga stands at 95 percent in rural India and 96 percent in urban India. The NSS also found that in around 1.1 crore households in rural India and around 1.4 crore households in urban India, at least one household member regularly practices yoga. The Yoga 365 campaign aims to mobilize communities through mission-mode outreach,promote behavior change, integrate yoga into diverse spaces—from schools and offices to neighborhood groups and digital platforms. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the wellness platform Habuild to offer free daily online yoga sessions.