19-May-2023: States and UTs to strengthen Ayush Infrastructure through National Ayush Mission to enable larger population benefit from Ayush services
During the two day National Ayush Mission Conclave 2023 important roundtable discussion was held for participating Health and Ayush Ministers from states and UTs governments. The major trust of the discussion was to strengthen Ayush infrastructure through National Ayush Mission in states and UTs.
On this occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “State Governments should take steps to share old knowledge and practices of Ayush. I want you all to take the message about Yoga to your respective states, so that it will ensure the maximum number of participation in the upcoming IDY 2023.”
Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai said, “As we have seen there is a lot of increase in number of AHWCs and integrated Ayush health care system which has connected people with Ayush health care system. I feel states and UTs should work towards enabling more people benefit from the services provided by them.”
Shri Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of State for Ayush, Uttar Pradesh said, “Government of Uttar Pradesh has taken major steps to create better infrastructure for delivery of Ayush healthcare services. We have shortlisted 552 Government hospitals and have converted them into HWCs.”
Sh. Ram Kishore Kawre, Minister of Ayush (IC), Madhya Pradesh said, “Our Government has started program to promote the farming of herbs and medicinal plants. We have achieved 90% of the target HWCs given by the Government and 50% of the hospital targets and aspire to build 5000 dispensaries with wellness centres.”
Shri Banna Gupta, Health Minister, Govt of Jharkhand said, ‘Ayush is not just a medical science but it's a day to day applied life science. Jharkhand needs a research centre to do research on various medicinal plants. We should also explore medical tourism in Jharkhand.”
Shri Keshab Mehanta, Health Minister, Assam informed that preparation for 200 CHO interviews for appointment is in progress and Government of Assam is working on proposal for an Ayush rehabilitative program for drug users. Health Ministers from Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram also talked about how they were working to establish HWCs in remote areas and need for manpower for the same.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush along with Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush and senior officials of National Ayush Mission was present in this meeting. Kavita Garg, started the discussion by giving an overview of National Ayush Mission and ways to strengthen Ayush services infrastructure through NAM.
19-May-2023: States and UTs to strengthen Ayush Infrastructure through National Ayush Mission to enable larger population benefit from Ayush services
During the two day National Ayush Mission Conclave 2023 important roundtable discussion was held for participating Health and Ayush Ministers from states and UTs governments. The major trust of the discussion was to strengthen Ayush infrastructure through National Ayush Mission in states and UTs.
On this occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “State Governments should take steps to share old knowledge and practices of Ayush. I want you all to take the message about Yoga to your respective states, so that it will ensure the maximum number of participation in the upcoming IDY 2023.”
Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai said, “As we have seen there is a lot of increase in number of AHWCs and integrated Ayush health care system which has connected people with Ayush health care system. I feel states and UTs should work towards enabling more people benefit from the services provided by them.”
Shri Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of State for Ayush, Uttar Pradesh said, “Government of Uttar Pradesh has taken major steps to create better infrastructure for delivery of Ayush healthcare services. We have shortlisted 552 Government hospitals and have converted them into HWCs.”
Sh. Ram Kishore Kawre, Minister of Ayush (IC), Madhya Pradesh said, “Our Government has started program to promote the farming of herbs and medicinal plants. We have achieved 90% of the target HWCs given by the Government and 50% of the hospital targets and aspire to build 5000 dispensaries with wellness centres.”
Shri Banna Gupta, Health Minister, Govt of Jharkhand said, ‘Ayush is not just a medical science but it's a day to day applied life science. Jharkhand needs a research centre to do research on various medicinal plants. We should also explore medical tourism in Jharkhand.”
Shri Keshab Mehanta, Health Minister, Assam informed that preparation for 200 CHO interviews for appointment is in progress and Government of Assam is working on proposal for an Ayush rehabilitative program for drug users. Health Ministers from Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram also talked about how they were working to establish HWCs in remote areas and need for manpower for the same.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush along with Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush and senior officials of National Ayush Mission was present in this meeting. Kavita Garg, started the discussion by giving an overview of National Ayush Mission and ways to strengthen Ayush services infrastructure through NAM.
2022
2-Aug-2022: Budget Allocation and Utilization of Funds under National Ayush Mission
Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National AYUSH Mission, the total budget of Rs. 3119.46 crores has been allocated/ released as a central share to States/UTs since the inception of the scheme and they have reported an expenditure of Rs. 2290.20 crores.
Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling the choice to the patients for different systems of medicines under a single window. The engagement of AYUSH doctors/ paramedics and their training is supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under National Health Mission (NHM), while the support for AYUSH infrastructure, equipment/ furniture and medicines are provided by the Ministry of Ayush under National AYUSH Mission (NAM)as shared responsibilities. There are 7032 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 2793 Community Health Centres (CHCs) and 484 District Hospitals (DHs) are co-located with AYUSH facilities out of the total 25937 PHCs, 6349 CHCs and 761 DHs across the country as per information available on Management Information System (MIS) database of National Health Mission (NHM).
Public Health being a State subject, starting AYUSH educational institutions comes under the purview of respective State/UT Governments. However, under NAM, as per the proposals received from State Governments through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs), they have been supported for setting up 9new AYUSH Educational Institutions since the scheme’s inception.
1-Feb-2022: Major Boost to Ayush services, NAM gains 60 percent increase in budget 2022
Cost effective Ayush services under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) have gotten major boost in the Union Budget 2022 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today. The total allocation of budget to Ayush Ministry in last 7 years has increased over four times from 691 Cr to Rs 3050 Cr.
Recognizing the importance of traditional medicine system of India including Yoga and Naturopathy in current pandemic led situation, the central government has been emphasizing in the augmentation of works done by Ayush Ministry. In the present budget, this is reflected in increase of budget provisions in various Ayush sectors and core areas. Increasing Budget amount, under NAM, a Centre sponsored scheme, up to Rs 800 Crore will help Ayush in the upgradation of its hospitals and dispensaries, support cultivation of medicinal plants and in many other areas including increase in export of value added items of medicinal plants. The NAM had earlier received the budget of Rs 500 Cr.
In another area that saw the big boost is Champion service Sector Scheme. The budget has been doubled in this scheme that is from Rs 29.6 Cr to Rs 60.22 Cr.
All the states (Rs 610 Cr), union territories (Rs 70 Cr) and North eastern areas (Rs 181.97 Cr) have also witnessed an increase in grants-in-aids i.e. from Rs 547.87 Cr to Rs 861.97 Cr overall. Growing popularity and dependency on the digital space, the central Government emphasized building the Digi-infrastructure which Ayush has well supported. The various provisions under the budget will see a major step towards digitizing the entire Ayush sector under Ayush-grid. Considering the strength of Ayurveda, Yoga, and other traditional Indian system of medicine, the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM-WHO) in India is being setup and the budgetary provisions have been done for the establishment of the centre. Establishment of WHO (GCTM) in India will directly affect investment in traditional medicine sector in India and India can emerge as a global leader with concerted efforts. The research councils, centre of excellence and autonomous bodies also got the fair boost in the budget as they were allotted Rs 1870.1 Cr.
2021
27-Jul-2021: Initiative to popularise the treatment of various diseases through AYUSH system
The Ministry of AYUSH under its Central Sector Scheme for promotion of International Cooperation, undertakes various initiatives for international promotion, propagation & Global acceptability of AYUSH systems of medicine such as Bilateral & Multilateral negotiations with different countries to undertake various steps for trade facilitation, recognition to Ayush System, establishing a dedicated AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AEPC) to promote export of Ayush products/ Medicines/Services, support to Industry & Hospitals for participation in International Exhibitions, deputation of experts to various countries establishing quality standards by collaborating with International Agencies like WHO, ISO etc., encouraging outbound investment, establishing International Ayush Institutes, offering scholarship to foreign nationals for pursuing Ayush courses in India etc.
The Government has developed Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical value Travel to enhance medical tourism in the field of Ayush and to provide support establishing world class state of the art AYUSH hospitals. The Govt. has also formed a National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board to boost Medical, Wellness, Yoga and Ayurveda tourism. The Government of India is aiming to position India as a destination for health and wellness tourism through Ayush System.
Govt of India has taken various policy initiatives to promote Indian Traditional System of Medicine such as launching of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) to envisage better access to AYUSH services through increase in the number of AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries, inclusion of Ayush in National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat to provide AYUSH services, introducing insurance coverage for Ayush treatments, disseminating the merits of AYUSH systems through Print/Electronic/Social Media Platforms. The AYURSWASTHYA YOJANA, a new umbrella scheme has been developed to roll out of authentic classical AYUSH Interventions for promoting community health care and to provide support for establishment of Ayush medical health unit in reputed Ayush and Allopathy institutions.
14-Jul-2021: Cabinet approves continuation of centrally sponsored scheme National AYUSH Mission
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 01-04-2021 to 31-03-2026 with financial implication of Rs. 4607.30 crore (Rs 3,000 crore as Central Share and Rs. 1607.30 crore as State Share). The Mission was launched on 15-09-2014.
India possess an unmatched heritage represented by its traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Unani and also Homeopathy (ASU&H) which are a treasure house of knowledge for preventive, promotive and curative healthcare. The positive features of the Indian systems of medicine namely their diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, a broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost and growing economic value, have great potential to make them providers of healthcare that the large sections of our people need.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission is being implemented by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India with the objectives of providing cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access through upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), strengthening institutional capacity at the State level through upgrading AYUSH educational institutions, setting up of new upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital, AYUSH Public Health programmes and operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres to provide services of a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices so as to empower masses for "self-care" to reduce the disease burden, and out of pocket expenditure.
The Mission is addressing the gaps in health services through supporting the efforts of State/UT Governments for providing AYUSH health services/education in the country, particularly in vulnerable and far-flung areas. Under NAM special focus is given for specific needs of such areas and for allocation of higher resources in their Annual Plans.
The expected outcomes of the mission are as follows:
- Better access to AYUSH healthcare services through increased healthcare facilities offering AYUSH services and better availability of medicines and trained manpower,
- Improvement in AYUSH education through a well-equipped enhanced number of AYUSH Educational institutions,
- To focus on reducing communicable/non-communicable diseases through targeted public health programmes using AYUSH systems of Healthcare.
15-Mar-2021: Ayush Hospitals Under NAM
As Public Health is a State subject, setting up of AYUSH hospitals comes under the purview of respective State/UT Governments. However, under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM), there is provision of financial assistance for setting up of up to 50 Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital. State/UT Governments are eligible for seeking grant-in-aid under this activity as per NAM guidelines. Ministry of AYUSH has approved one unit of up to 50 Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Patna during the year 2015-16. An amount of Rs.102.70 Lakhs during the year 2015-16 and Rs.200.00 Lakhs during the year 2019-20 have been approved for setting up of AYUSH hospital at Patna.
The following five Government Ayurvedic Hospitals and Medical Colleges are providing medical facilities in Bihar:
- Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Patna
- Govt. Ayodhya Shivkumari Ayurvedic College & Hospital Begusarai,
- Govt. Shri Yatindra Narayan Asthang Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Bhagalpur
- Govt. Maharani Rameshwari Bhartiya Chikitsya Vigyan Sansthan, Darbhanga
- Govt. Shri Dhanvantri Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Buxar
Further, Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Patna and Govt. Ayodhya Shivkumari Ayurvedic College & Hospital Begusarai are imparting Medical education in Ayurveda in Bihar at present.
Ministry of AYUSH is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission through State/UT Governments including Bihar and providing assistance to them as per the proposals received in their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs).
9-Mar-2021: Promotion of Herbal Cultivation in the country
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Under ‘Medicinal Plants’ component of the NAM scheme supporting market driven cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants in identified cluster/zones with in selected districts of States and implemented in a mission mode. As per the scheme guidelines, the support is provided for:
- Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on farmer’s land.
- Establishment of nurseries with backward linkages for raising and supply of quality planting material.
- Post-harvest management with forward linkages.
- Primary processing, marketing infrastructure etc.
Under this scheme, subsidy @30%, 50% and 75% of cultivation cost of specific plant species is provided for cultivation of 140 medicinal plants.
National Medicinal plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is also implementing Central Sector Scheme on “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” wherein following activities are supported:
- In-situ conservation / Ex-situ conservation
- Livelihood linkages with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) / Panchayats / Van Panchayats / Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) / Self Help Groups (SHGs).
- IEC activities like Training / workshops / Seminars/ Conferences etc.
- Research & Development.
- Promotion, marketing and trade of medicinal plants produce.
Ministry of AYUSH is supporting cultivation of medicinal plants on farmer’s land throughout the country by providing subsidy for 140 medicinal plants @30%, 50% and 75% of cost of its cultivation, depending upon the status of availability and market demand as per operational guidelines of the Scheme. The Ministry of AYUSH has supported 56396 hectare area under cultivation of Medicinal Plants in National AYUSH Mission (NAM) scheme. The detail of area covered under cultivation of medicinal plant throughout the country from the F.Y 2015-16 to 2020-21 is given at Annexure.
Ministry of Finance has announced Rs. 4000 crore package under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat for Promotion of Herbal Cultivation. The Ministry of AYUSH has prepared a draft scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri VRIKSH AYUSH Yojana” for cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants which is yet to be approved from Cabinet.
The scheme will be implemented throughout the country.
12-Feb-2021: Holistic Treatment Under Ayush
Ministry of AYUSH is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through Sate/UT Governments and providing financial assistance to them as per the proposals submitted through their respective State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs). Under NAM States/UTs are implementing different activities like supply of essential drugs/Medicines to the patients, Public Health Outreach Activity, School Health Programme, AYUSH Gram etc. to promote holistic treatment under AYUSH so as to improve the general health and immunity. Further, Mission inter-alia makes provision for following activities:
- Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs).
- Supply of Essential drugs to AYUSH hospitals and Dispensaries.
- Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.
- Setting up of up to 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.
- Upgradation of State Government Educational Institutions.
- Setting up of new State Government AYUSH Educational Institutions in the State where it is not available.
- Strengthening of State Government/ Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories (DTL).
- Cultivation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants.
- Upgradation of 12,500 Health facilities (10,000 AYUSH Dispensaries and 2500 Health sub-centres) into AYUSH Health and Wellness Centre under the Ayushman Bharat.
The Ministry of AYUSH also promotes holistic treatment through its research councils and national institutes by undertaking various research activities, public health programs such as National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS); Participation in Arogya exhibitions/health melas; Outreach programs such as Swasthya Rakshan Program (SRP), Ayurveda Mobile Health Care Program under Schedule Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) Research Program, Tribal Health Care Research Program (THCRP); Yoga therapy centres in Modern Medical hospitals.
The research councils and national institutes under the Ministry of AYUSH undertake scientific research in their respective systems of medicine. Clinical Research has been undertaken by following Good Clinical Practice guidelines and bio-medical ethical guidelines. Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) has undertaken more than 190 clinical studies. The objectives of these studies are to assess the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in different disease which includes acute and chronic conditions. The outcomes of these studies are published in national and international Peer reviewed journals on regular basis.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is conducting Clinical trials for validation of Classical Ayurvedic formulations and for new Ayurvedic drug development adopting prevalent guidelines such as Good Clinical Practices Guidelines for ASU drugs (GCP-ASU), Ministry of AYUSH and Ethical guidelines for Bio-Medical Research (ICMR), WHO guidelines for traditional medicines etc. as per requirement. So far, CCRAS has generated clinical safety and efficacy on around 92 classical formulations on 40 disease conditions.
Ministry of AYUSH is presently implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Under ‘Medicinal Plants’ component of the NAM scheme, Ministry is supporting market driven cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants in identified cluster/zones within selected districts of States. State/UT Governments may avail the financial assistance for cultivation of medicinal plants by projecting the proposal in their respective SAAPs. As per the scheme guidelines, the support is provided for:
- Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on farmer’s land.
- Establishment of nurseries with backward linkages for raising and supply of quality planting material.
- Post-harvest management with forward linkages.
- Primary processing, marketing infrastructure etc.
Under this scheme, subsidy @30%, 50% and 75% of cost of its cultivation is provided for cultivation of 140 prioritized medicinal plants on farmer’s land.
Further under the Information Education and Communication (IEC) component of the Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, the Ministry is promoting medicinal plants activities viz. cultivation technologies, gatherers, supply chain intermediaries, manufacturing, proper handling of raw material, trade etc.
Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine has acquired land in Faridabad, Haryana for the establishment of National Research Institute of Unani Medicine (NRIUM) for Non-communicable Diseases.
Under NAM, Ministry of AYUSH is supporting one of the important activities i.e., AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres. The objectives of the establishment of AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres are as under:
- To Provide Comprehensive Primary Healthcare through AYUSH using team-based approach
- To establish a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices focusing on preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative healthcare by establishing integration with existing healthcare system.
- To provide informed choice to the needy public by making AYUSH Services available.
As of now 4436 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres have been supported under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in the 32 States/UTs.
Also, Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has implemented and executed NPCDCS programme (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke) for health promotion, prevention and management of Non-communicable diseases or Lifestyle related disorders through its three research organizations, namely, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) in districts namely Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat), Gaya (Bihar), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Sambalpur (Odisha), Nasik (Maharashtra) and Lakhimpur Kheri (UP).
9-Feb-2021: Promotion of Ayurvedic Medicines in the country
Central Government is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through States/UTs for development and promotion of AYUSH systems of medicine including Ayurvedic system. The Mission inter-alia makes following provisions for promotion of AYUSH systems including Ayurvedic system.
- Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Districts Hospitals (DHs).
- Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.
- III. Setting up of upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.
- IV. Upgradation of State Government Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Educational Institutions.
- Setting up of new State Government AYUSH Educational Institutions in the States where it is not available in Government Sector.
- VI. Strengthening of State Government/State Government Co-operatives/Public Sector Undertakings for manufacturing of quality medicines in AYUSH Systems.
- Strengthening of State Drug Testing Laboratories for ASU &H Drugs for stringent quality control.
- Support for cultivation of Medicinal Plant including processing and post-harvest management to ensure supply of quality raw material for AYUSH medicine and other products.
Further, Central Government has approved 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres to be operationalized by Ministry of AYUSH through State/UT Governments under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in a phased manner by the year 2023-24.It is envisaged to upgrade AYUSH Dispensaries and Sub-Health Centres identified by State/UT Governments as AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres for providing AYUSH based preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care.
In addition, Ministry of AYUSH has also taken various initiatives under the Information Education and Communication (IEC) Scheme for propagation and promotion of AYUSH systems for treatment of common ailments through media and other publicity activities like organizing Arogya fairs, conferences, seminars on AYUSH System. Further, Ministry is also supporting different activities under NAM like AYUSH gram, Public Health outreach activities, information education and communication (IEC) activities, organization of Yoga, conducting peripheral OPD and Medical camps, behavioral change communication, training of village health workers towards identification and use of local medicinal herbs.
As Public Health is a State subject, opening of AYUSH dispensaries come under the purview of respective State/UT Governments. There is no provision under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for opening new AYUSH dispensaries in every district and block across the country.
2020
21-Mar-2020: Cabinet approves inclusion of the AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres component of Ayushman Bharat in National AYUSH Mission
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the inclusion of AYUSH Health and Wellness Centre (AYUSH HWC) component of Ayushman Bharat in National AYUSH Mission (NAM).
The proposal entails an expenditure of Rs. 3399.35 Crore (Rs.2209.58 Crore as Central Share and Rs. 1189.77 crore as State share) for operationalization of AYUSH HWCs within a period of five years that is from financial years 2019-20 to 2023-24.
The operationalization of AYUSH HWCs component under NAM shall have to achieve the following objectives:
- To establish a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices focusing on preventive promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative healthcare by integration with the existing public health care system.
- To provide informed choice to the needy public by making the AYUSH services available.
- The AYUSH services include community awareness about lifestyle, die, Yoga, medicinal plants and provision of medicines for selected conditions as per strength of AYUSH systems.
The Ministry of AYUSH, in consultation with States/UTs, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other line Ministries, has proposed following two models for operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres throughout the country:
- Upgradation of existing AYUSH dispensaries (approximately 10,000)
- Upgradation of existing Sub Health Centres (SHCs) (approx. 2,500)
Benefits:
- Enhanced accessibility to achieve universal health coverage for affordable treatment.
- Reduced burden on secondary and tertiary health care facilities
- Reduced out of pocket expenditure due to "self-care" model.
- Integration of AYUSH in implementation of SDG 3, as mandated by NITI Aayog
- Validated holistic wellness model in target areas.
Background: The National Health Policy 2017 has advocated mainstreaming the potential of AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sows-rigpa and Homoeopathy) within a pluralistic system of Integrative healthcare.
The Government of India, in February, 2018 has decided that 1.5 lakh health & wellness Centres would be created by transforming existing Sub health Centres and Primary health Centres to deliver Comprehensive Primary health Care.
It was further decided that Ministry of AYUSH will operationalize 10% of the total sub-health Centres as Health and Wellness Centres i.e. 12,500 under Ayushman Bharat.
The vision of the proposal is to establish a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices, to empower masses for "self-care" to reduce the disease burden and out of pocket expenditure and to provide informed choice of the needy public.
2017
15-Dec-2017: Cabinet approves continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM)
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) from 01.04.2017 to 31.03.2020 with an outlay of Rs. 2400 crore over the 3 year period. The Mission was launched in September, 2014.
Features: The NAM is being implemented by Ministry of AYUSH with the objectives of providing cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access which involve, among other things-
- upgradation of AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries,
- co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs),
- community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs),
- strengthening institutional capacity at the State level through upgrading AYUSH educational institutions, State Govt, ASU&H Pharmacies,
- Drug Testing Laboratories and ASU & H enforcement mechanism,
- supporting cultivation of medicinal plants by adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to provide sustained supply of quality raw-materials and development of infrastructure for medicinal plants storage and marketing.
The NAM is addressing the gaps in health services through supporting the efforts of State/UT Governments for providing AYUSH health services/education in the country, particularly in vulnerable and far-flung areas. Under NAM special focus is given for specific needs of such areas and for allocation of higher resources in their Annual Plans.
The expected outcomes of the Mission are as follows:
- Better access to AYUSH healthcare services through increased number of healthcare facilities offering AYUSH services and better availability of medicines and trained manpower.
- Improvement in AYUSH education through well-equipped enhanced number of AYUSH Educational institutions.
- Improved availability of quality AYUSH drugs by increased number of quality pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories coupled with stringent enforcement mechanism.
- Increased awareness and acceptance of the Yoga & Naturopathy as promotive and preventive health-care systems.
- To meet the increasing domestic demand of herbal raw-materials and also to promote export.
Background: The National AYUSH Mission intends to build on India’s unmatched heritage represented by its ancient systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homeopathy (ASU&H) which are a treasure house of knowledge for preventive and promotive healthcare. The positive features of the Indian systems of medicine namely their diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, a broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost and growing economic value, have great potential to make them providers of healthcare that the large sections of our people need.