The Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the Ministry of Ayush's achievements during its first 100 days, showcasing the progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in promoting traditional Indian medicine systems and strengthening international cooperation. Among the initiatives, the Ministry has worked to incorporate Ayurvedic treatment packages under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ensuring broader access to Ayush treatments in mainstream healthcare through the inclusion of 170 packages.
Shri Jadhav also announced a drive to conduct "Prakriti Parikshan" (nature assessments) of citizens, ensuring health for every individual. The evaluation of 1,489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush centers) by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has been completed, with 1,005 of them receiving Ayush Entry Level Certification, marking progress in ensuring quality healthcare under the National Ayush Mission.
Key Achievements of Ayush in 100 Days
1. WHO Donor Agreement: On July 31, 2024, a donor agreement was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) at its headquarters in Geneva. This agreement highlights India's commitment to integrating Ayush systems into global healthcare and improving evidence-based traditional medicine.
2. MoU with Vietnam: On August 1, 2024, India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on medicinal plants, aiming to foster knowledge-sharing and research between Vietnam's Traditional Medicine Administration and India's National Medicinal Plants Board.
3. MoU with Malaysia: A landmark MoU was signed with Malaysia, promoting research and exchange of Ayurvedic practices. The operationalization of an Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman is an important outcome of this collaboration.
4. "One Herb, One Standard" Initiative: On August 6, 2024, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the "One Herb, One Standard" initiative, aiming to standardize herbal medicines for improved quality and efficacy.
5. Special Medical Stores for Ayush Medicines: To ensure widespread access to Ayush medications, the government announced plans to open special medical stores at the tehsil level.
6. Certification of Ayushman Arogya Mandir: NABH completed the evaluation of 1,489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centers, with 1,005 receiving Ayush Entry Level Certification. This is a significant step in providing quality healthcare services under the National Ayush Mission.
Major Campaigns and Initiatives
1. "Har Ghar AyurYog" Campaign: The "Har Ghar AyurYog" campaign promotes the adoption of Ayurveda and Yoga at the community level, incorporating yoga in the Fit India School certification.
2. Ayush Camps for the Elderly: Exceeding the target of 10,000 camps, the Ministry organized 14,692 Ayush camps for elderly citizens, providing free consultations, therapies, and guidance on holistic health.
3. Centers of Excellence in Ayush: In partnership with institutions like IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, TMC Mumbai, and JNU New Delhi, six new Centers of Excellence have been established with ₹52.47 crore in funding, focusing on traditional medicine research and healthcare innovation.
4. Inclusion of Ayush Packages in AB-PMJAY: A Strategic Purchasing Committee has been set up to incorporate Ayush treatment packages under AB-PMJAY, ensuring affordability and mainstream healthcare integration.
5. Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi: The second phase of AIIA, featuring a 194-bed hospital and Ayurvedic Sports Medicine Complex, is set to enhance Ayurvedic research and treatment capabilities, with a total cost of ₹289.05 crore.
6. National Institute of Ayurveda, Panchkula, Haryana: A new National Institute of Ayurveda is being developed with a ₹294.91 crore investment, featuring a 250-bed hospital and academic programs in Ayurveda.
7. Three Central Research Institutes on Yoga and Naturopathy: Preliminary work for establishing institutes in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh has been completed.
Swachhata Campaign
The Ministry participated actively in the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) 2024 campaign, with initiatives focusing on cleanliness, community participation, and welfare of sanitation workers, including the "Swachhata Mein Jan Bhaagidari" and "Mega Cleanliness Drives."
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
