Integrated AYUSH colleges to be set up in every division of UP: CM Yogi Adityanath

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday directed officials to establish integrated AYUSH colleges in every division of the state, where all its systems -- including Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy -- are made available on a single campus. Chairing a high-level review meeting, Adityanath said the initiative would strengthen both the AYUSH medical system and the future of health-based education, an official statement said.

He said the government is working in mission mode to expand the reach of AYUSH systems and instructed that Naturopathy and Yoga Centres be made mandatory in all its institutions. He also directed that the process of filling all sanctioned educational and medical posts in these institutions be completed in a time-bound manner. The chief minister said health and wellness centres should be established in every district, which could be operated by the government or under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

He directed that construction of the AYUSH University be completed with quality and within stipulated timelines, and that all of its ongoing department projects across the state be prioritised. Encouraging private investment in the sector, Adityanath said the infrastructure, laboratories, libraries and faculty and staff of private AYUSH colleges and hospitals should be assessed thoroughly to ensure quality. He also emphasised promoting Panchakarma therapy in Ayurveda, describing it as an effective method for treating serious ailments.

Also read No fee hike for medical, dental courses in upcoming academic year: Karnataka Minister

Global push for AYUSH

Given the rising popularity of AYUSH, the chief minister said, India's traditional medicine systems should be presented scientifically and established globally. Reviewing preparations for International Yoga Day, he directed that the event at all divisions and, districts, municipal bodies, gram panchayats and government departments across the state. Trained masters should be ensured in each district to provide yoga training to the general public, he added.

Adityanath further instructed officials to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers like Dabur, Baidyanath and Patanjali to ensure regular supply of essential medicines at all AYUSH hospitals. During the meeting, AYUSH department officials informed the chief minister that currently there are 2,127 Ayurvedic, 259 Unani and 1,598 Homeopathic medical institutions operating in the state, playing a key role in providing AYUSH services to the general public.

Adityanath directed continuous monitoring to enhance efficiency of these institutions and to provide resources as per requirement, the statement said. He also said that AYUSH not only symbolises India's medical tradition, but also defines a holistic health approach. All efforts should be made in an united, planned and timely manner to bring Uttar Pradesh to the role of national and global leadership in the field of AYUSH.