Mainstreaming Ayush: Integrating Traditional Medicine in Modern Health Care

The National Health Mission, in collaboration with Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, is integrating Ayush disciplines like Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathy into mainstream healthcare. This initiative includes co-location at health centers, capacity-building, and certification, aiming for universal health coverage and promoting traditional healing practices.

The National Health Mission, spearheaded by Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, is working towards integrating Ayush—which includes Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathy—into mainstream healthcare. This initiative aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the public.

As reported, 13,222 Ayush facilities have been co-located under the NHM, covering primary health centres, community health centres, district hospitals, and other health facilities. Additionally, 27,421 Ayush doctors and 4,581 paramedics were operational in these facilities as of December 31.

In alignment with Ayushman Bharat's goals, the government is transforming sub-health centres and primary health centres into health and wellness centres to provide comprehensive primary health care. Moreover, initiatives like the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research in Arunachal Pradesh focus on documenting and validating ethnomedicinal practices and supporting traditional healers.

(With inputs from agencies.)