Question : Allopathic Course for AYUSH Doctors

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

(a) whether the Government proposes to start short term course regarding Allopathy system of medicines for AYUSH doctors and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has noticed that a holistic approach of treatment is necessary for healthcare, if so, the details of the action taken in this regard;

(c) whether the Government proposes to start holistic healthcare centres/units throughout the country in all the hospitals including those under AYUSH, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to launch programmes for creating awareness among the people about the benefits of holistic healthcare and lifestyle; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government thereon?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE(IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)


(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 366* FOR 13TH DECEMBER, 2019

(a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India has informed that, a certificate course in community health is offered by IGNOU and a few State Health Universities. Ayurvedic Practitioners along with B.Sc, Nursing graduates, who undergo this course, become eligible for being appointed as Community Health Officers.

(b) & (c) Yes, Central Government realizes that a holistic approach of treatment is necessary for healthcare. Accordingly, following action has been taken by Government in this regard:

(i) Under Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centers (AB-HWCs), 1.5 lakh Sub-Health Centers and Primary Health Centers are to be transformed into Health and Wellness Centers across the country by December 2022, to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care that includes preventive healthcare and health promotion at the community level with continuum of care approach for all. Out of 1.5 lakh AB-HWCs, 12500 centers will be developed as AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers

(ii) Sub-Health Centre level AB-HWCs, is to be led by a Community Health Officer (CHO) – who is a BSc/GNM Nurse or an Ayurveda practitioner and trained & certified in six months Certificate Programme in Community Health by IGNOU or State specific Public/Health Universities, as informed by MoHFW.

(iii) Community Health Officer (CHO), with core competencies in public health and primary health care, will be posted at SHC-HWC. The CHO will lead the team of existing multipurpose workers and ASHAs to expand the range of services including screening, early detection and issues of changing lifestyles and treatment adherence, as informed by MoHFW.

(iv) It is envisaged to transform existing Sub-Health Centers/AYUSH dispensaries to Health & Wellness Centers to ensure universal access to an expanded range of Primary health Care services as appropriate to people’s needs. Till date, 1032 AYUSH dispensaries have been approved for upgrading to AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers and budget of Rs. 89.92 Crore has been released to States/UTs under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission.

(d) & (e) Under the Information, Education and Communication Scheme, the Ministry takes up initiatives for propagation and promotion of AYUSH systems of medicine by organizing Arogya fair/Melas, Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops, Symposium and is also undertaking publicity through electronic multimedia, print media campaigning for awareness amongst the citizens all over the country and also in foreign countries.

It has been envisaged to create awareness among the public about preventive and promotive healthcare, based on the principles and practices of AYUSH systems such as healthy food, lifestyle, Yoga, medicinal plants, home remedies for minor illnesses as well as non-communicable lifestyle disorders through these Health & Wellness Centres.