States in Indian Medicine: How Regional Practices Shape Health Care

When you think about medicine in India, you’re not just thinking of one system—you’re thinking of states, the 28 administrative divisions that each shape how people access, understand, and use health care. Also known as provinces, these states aren’t just political boundaries—they’re cultural, linguistic, and medical ecosystems with their own traditions, priorities, and challenges. A diabetic patient in Punjab might get different advice than one in Kerala. A new mother in Rajasthan may rely on home remedies passed down for generations, while someone in Mumbai might be prescribed a GLP-1 agonist within weeks of diagnosis. The same condition, two completely different paths—because states in India don’t just govern land, they govern health behavior.

This variation isn’t random. It’s shaped by local food habits, climate, access to doctors, and deep-rooted healing systems. Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of medicine rooted in balance and natural remedies, is widely practiced in traditional Indian medicine, especially in states like Kerala and Karnataka, where herbal treatments and morning routines (like warm water with ginger) are part of daily life. Meanwhile, in urban centers like Delhi and Bangalore, you’ll find clinics offering cutting-edge IVF treatments, weight loss injections like semaglutide, and comprehensive health screenings—all under one roof. But even within cities, the influence of state-level policies shows: in Tamil Nadu, public health programs have made diabetes screening routine in primary care, while in Bihar, many still rely on unlicensed practitioners because trained doctors are scarce. The state you live in affects whether you can afford Ozempic, whether your local pharmacy stocks vitamin D3, or whether your doctor even knows how to interpret a new diabetes guideline. It determines if you’ll get a knee replacement in a private hospital or wait months in a public one.

And it’s not just about access—it’s about belief. In some states, mental health therapy is still seen as a last resort. In others, mindfulness and yoga are integrated into hospital recovery plans. The hardest day after knee surgery? That’s universal. But whether you get a shower chair, proper physiotherapy, or just advice from a neighbor? That depends on your state. The same goes for skin treatments, ADHD management, or choosing the best health test. Your location shapes your options, your expectations, and your outcomes. Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from across India—each tied to the unique medical landscape of its state. Whether you’re looking for cheaper alternatives to Wegovy, wondering why vitamin D3 is so critical in urban India, or trying to understand why IVF success rates vary so much by region, you’ll find answers grounded in where you live—and where others like you are fighting the same battles.