Question : Promotion of AYUSH System of Medicine

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has formulated any specific scheme to further strengthen Ayurveda system of medicine in view of its increasing popularity in the country, if so, the details thereof;

(b) if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the increased use of Ayurveda medicines during the last five years in the country;

(d) whether the Government proposes any scheme to set up AYUSH Kendras in each district across the country;

(e) if so, whether any criteria has been laid down for the same; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through States/UTs and providing financial assistance to them for strengthening of AYUSH system of medicine including Ayurveda in the country. The National AYUSH Mission inter-alia makes provision for the following activities to popularize AYUSH systems of medicine including Ayurveda:-
(i) Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Districts Hospitals (DHs).

(ii) Upgradation 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.
(v) 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 Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies
(vii) Strengthening of State Drug Testing Laboratories for ASU &H Drugs
(viii) Support for cultivation of Medicinal Plant Including processing and post-harvest management.
(c): Government of India has provided financial assistance of Rs. 355.96 Crore during the last five years in the country under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for procurement of essential AYUSH medicines including Ayurveda as per the demand received from State/UT Governments indicating the use of AYUSH medicines including Ayurveda.
(d) to (f): Public Health is being a State subject, setting up of AYUSH Kendras in each district comes under the purview of respective State/UT Government. However, under NAM, there is a provision for setting up of upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH hospitals. As per the NAM guidelines there is a provision of up to Rs 900.00 lakhs as one-time assistance for undertaking construction with lump sum provision for staff quarters furniture, fixtures, equipments etc. Further, there is provision of Rs. 30.00 Lakhs per annum for medicines, diet & other consumables and Rs. 120.00 Lakhs as recurring assistance per annum for salary of manpower. Accordingly, State/UT Governments may avail the financial assistance by submitting the proposal through State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) as per the NAM guidelines.