Revitalizing Traditions: Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Groundbreaking Initiatives to Propel Ayurveda & Homoeopathy

In a significant move to bolster the Ayush sector in North East India, Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled four major initiatives. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Guwahati, where a dedicated Panchakarma block and a cutting-edge Pharmacology & Bio Chemistry lab for Ayush was inaugurated. Let's delve into the details of each significant initiative one by one:

Panchakarma Block Inauguration

The newly inaugurated Panchakarma block, the first of its kind in the North East region, covers an expansive area of 9453.30 square feet. Costing over Rs7.72 crores, this facility is poised to provide affordable Panchakarma therapies to the public. Designed to conduct scientific validation of Panchakarma therapies, the block includes dedicated rooms for key treatments like Snehana and Swedana, Shirodhara, and Basti. A medicine lab for the preparation of Panchakarma medicines and dedicated classrooms for training technicians are also integral components.

Pharmacology & Bio Chemistry Lab Unveiling

The state-of-the-art Pharmacology & Bio Chemistry lab, another first in the region, is equipped with facilities for drug standardization and safety evaluation of Ayurvedic formulations. With a cost exceeding Rs2.71 crores, the lab aims to scientifically validate the therapeutic and safety potential of Ayurvedic formulations, ethno-medicinal plants, and plant-based formulations. Modern instruments such as High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) have been installed to ensure rigorous quality standards.

Foundation Stone Laying for RRIH Campus and Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre

Sarbananda Sonowal also virtually laid the foundation stones for the permanent campus of the Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy (RRIH) and the Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre at Azara. The RRIH campus, with an estimated cost of Rs53.89 crores, spans 18,610 square feet and is projected to be completed by 2026. It will include a 50-bedded IPD unit, OPD services, clinical labs, emergency units, and a minor operation theatre.

Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre - a Game-Changer

The Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre, touted as the first of its kind in the country, will offer treatment and OPD facilities in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. Panchakarma, Naturopathy, Unani, and Siddha therapies will also be provided. Additionally, the centre will boast a herbal garden for holistic wellness.

Minister's Vision for Integrated Medicine

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the pivotal role of traditional systems of medicine in strengthening the healthcare delivery system. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Rs Narendra Modi, the integration of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, and Sowa Rigpa into modern medicinal practice is expected to create a powerful integrated medicine approach.

Distinguished Guests and Attendees

The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Health & Family Welfare Minister, Assam, Keshab Mahanta; MP (Lok Sabha) for Guwahati, Queen Oja; MLA (Dispur) Atul Bora; and MLA (West Guwahati), Ramendra Narayan Kalita. The participation of leading personalities from civic society, Ayush Ministry officials, local administration, and students further added significance to the launch of these transformative initiatives.

These initiatives mark a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare facilities in the Northeast region, emphasizing the integration of traditional Ayush practices with modern medicine.