Question : YOGA AND NATUROPATHY UNDER NRHM

(a) whether the Government has introduced/proposed the practice of Yoga and Naturopathy under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) projects;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of Naturopathy doctors, experts and related Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) included in different committees of NRHM at State and national level;

(d) whether a proposal has been received from the State Government of Karnataka regarding financial assistance for the opening of Yoga and Naturopathy units in various hospitals in the State;

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken thereon; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to introduce Yoga programmes in schools and colleges?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): Yes.

(b): Mainstreaming of AYUSH is one of the strategies envisaged under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Financial assistance is being provided to the State Governments/ UT Administrations for collocation of AYUSH systems including Yoga and Naturopathy at Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers and District Hospitals under NRHM.

(c): As per guidelines of NRHM, Health Society and Rogi Kalyan Samities have been setup at State and District level respectively. State Government/ UT Administration have been requested to include AYUSH Doctors and Experts including from Naturopathy in these bodies.

(d): Yes.

(e): A proposal to establish Yoga & Naturopathy units at 10 Taluk Hospitals was received from Karnataka. However assistance could not be released due to paucity of funds during 2009-10. This has been processed for sanction during 2010-11.

(f): Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga has taken steps for introduction of Yoga in Schools, in collaboration with the leading Yoga institutes. One month Training Programmes in Yoga are being held in phases for Teachers selected from each district. The trained teachers have been asked to impart Yoga Training to the students in the district. 283 teachers have been trained till March, 2010. Further steps have been initiated for including AYUSH Systems of Medicines including Yoga in the school curriculum.