Question : North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine

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

(a) whether the North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) has not been fully set up and made functional since 2009;

(b) if so, the reasons for the delay despite availability of the funds as well as remedial steps undertaken to make the institute fully functional; and

(c) the aims and objectives of NEIFM and the time by which it is likely to be functional and the time by which the said project is likely to begin functioning?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): The North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) could not be made functional due to delay in civil works of the building. The slow progress for completion of building was due to revision of layout plan, frequent electrical supply failure, heavy rains/ floods, shortage of labour and material due to remote location etc. and delay in obtaining statutory clearances from local bodies. Regular reviews have been conducted including visit to the site.
The civil work of the building has since been completed.
(c): Aims and objectives:-
• To function as an Apex research centre for all aspects of Folk Medicine knowledge with linkages and collaboration with other research centres.
• Survey, documentation and validation of Folk Medicine practices, remedies and therapies for possible usages in public healthcare and further research.
• To provide better medical / clinical facilities in North Eastern Region.
The Administrative building and other infrastructure have been completed and the office of Director, NEIFM alongwith OPD has started functioning from the newly completed building w.e.f. October, 2015. The filling up of posts is under process and the institute will be fully functional shortly.
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