Ayush Regional Review Meeting: Union Minister Sonowal Advocates Global Holistic Healthcare Agenda

Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stressed the importance of holistic healthcare on a global scale during a recent Regional Review Meeting of six states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, which was arranged by the Ministry of Ayush in Patna, Bihar. He noted that the world is increasingly turning to practices like Yoga and Ayush for their comprehensive health benefits.

Government Support for Ayush Initiatives

The Ministry of Ayush is actively supporting state and union territory governments in implementing various initiatives outlined in their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Ayush Mission (NAM). With the vision of providing Ayush healthcare services across the country, the NAM aims to strengthen and enhance Ayush healthcare facilities, empowering the public with informed choices.

Since its launch, the Ministry of Ayush has allocated Rs 1712.54 Crores to seven states—Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—under the NAM. Notably, the ministry has supported the establishment of 58 Integrated Ayush hospitals, with 14 already operational. Additionally, out of the planned 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (AHWCs), 4235 have been supported, with 3439 already functional in these states.

Under the NAM, the ministry has facilitated the establishment of new Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Medical Colleges in Uttar Pradesh, along with a Yoga and Naturopathy College in West Bengal during the last fiscal year. Moreover, there's a strong emphasis on expediting the construction of Ayush Educational Institutes and integrated Ayush hospitals to ensure the timely delivery of services to the public.

Call for Action and Collaboration

Union Minister Sonowal urged states to accelerate the construction of Ayush Educational Institutes and integrated Ayush hospitals. He emphasized the importance of implementing Ayush public health programs outlined in the NAM guidelines, focusing on various interventions for a holistic approach to health. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were specifically encouraged to undertake the National Program on Ayush for Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) of Lymphatic Filariasis.

Minister of State Dr Munjapara Mahendabhai highlighted the support provided by the Ministry of Ayush through various institutes and research centres, aimed at capacity building and the implementation of public health programs.

Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, emphasized the flagship status of the National Ayush Mission, noting the increased budgetary provisions, which now stand at Rs 1200 crore, indicating the government's commitment to promoting Ayush systems.

The meeting, attended by ministers, secretaries, and dignitaries from participating states, showcased the collective efforts towards advancing holistic healthcare across the nation.