Ministry of AYUSH is taking various initiatives in promotion and integration of Indian AYUSH System with modern system to increase their acceptability as scientific and reliable alternative system of medicine. The highlights of such initiatives have been the following:-
Ministry of AYUSH under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) co-locates AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling choice to the patients for different systems of medicine.
Ministry of AYUSH alongwith Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is implementing NPCDCS (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).
It has been decided that 10% of the Sub- centres are to be upgraded as Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat which will be developed by the Ministry of AYUSH to provide comprehensive Health care to the needy community. The Ministry of AYUSH has to develop a total number of 12,500 HWCs in 3 years, out of which 4200 will be operationalized during current year. CCRH has developed a public health program on ‘Homoeopathy for Healthy Child’ which has been integrated with Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) conducts special OPD for non-communicable diseases and geriatric population. Many of the patients are on conventional treatment and with the help of Siddha intervention the HbA1c levels have been significantly reduced in diabetic patients and the quality of life of the patients has been improved. Nilavembu Kudineer a Siddha polyherbal formulation has been incorporated into integrative medicine strategy for the prevention and management of Dengue and Chikungunya.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH has established 19 Preventive Health Care Units of Yoga in CGHS Wellness Centres in Delhi and NCR. Regular Yoga training programmes are being held in these Units. MDNIY has established 4 Yoga Therapy Centres in Delhi with the basic objective of mainstreaming Yoga in the existing health care system. These Centres are providing Yoga consultation and imparts Yoga Training and Therapy to the aspirants/patients in the Hospitals. This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
Government taken steps to encourage people to use AYUSH System
The requisite information on National Statistics of AYUSH is regularly disseminated by the Ministry of AYUSH through the medium of an annual publication “AYUSH in India”, that is being published every year, the soft copy of the publication are available on the Ministry’s website: ayush.gov.in/tenders-vacancies-and-annoucements/ayush-india
Under the component of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy drugs, grant in aid is provided to the States for the strengthening of pharmacies, Drug Testing Laboratories as well as for improvement of the Drug Control Framework. During the implementation period of the National AYUSH Mission from September, 2014 to 2018, 23 State Drug Testing Laboratories, 15 ASU&H Pharmacies & 30 Drug Control Frameworks have been supported for engagement of contractual manpower. 58 more private Drug Testing Laboratories have been approved under the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 for testing of ASU drugs.
Under Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of Information, Education and Communication(IEC) in AYUSH, the Ministry takes up initiatives for propagation, promotion and awareness of AYUSH systems of medicine by organizing Arogya Fairs, Yoga Fests, Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops, Symposium, celebration of important days viz. International Day of Yoga, Ayurveda Day, Unani Day, Siddha Day, Naturopathy Day and Homoeopathy Day and also undertaking publicity activities through electronic media, print media and social media amongst the citizens all over the country.
Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) financial assistance is being provided to the States/UTs for promotion of AYUSH system as per the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) received from the States/UTs.
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) inter-alia makes provision for the following: -
Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs).
Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.
Setting up of up to 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.
Up-gradation 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.