Question : Expansion of AYUSH

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

(a) whether the Government has made any assessment with regard to expansion of AYUSH in the country, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that the Government is unable to deliver the expected results of expanding the scope of AYUSH to the urban, semi-urban and rural areas of the country;

(c) if so, whether it is due to insufficient doctors, paramedic staff and funds; and

(d) if so, the further steps taken by the Government to overcome such deficiency?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) to (d): No assessment has been made by the Central Government in this regard. Public Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility to provide health care services lies with the respective State/UT Governments. However, Central Government through the Centrally Sponsored scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) has supported the States/UTs in expanding the scope of AYUSH in the country including urban, semi urban and rural areas through the following activities:
(i) Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs).
(ii) Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.
(iii) Setting up of up to 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.
(iv) Upgradation of State Government Educational Institutions.
(v) Setting up of new State Government AYUSH Educational Institutions including Yoga and Naturopathy in the State where it is not available.
(vi) Strengthening of State Government/ Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories (DTL).
(vii) Cultivation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants.
The Ministry has been able to expand its visibility and impact of AYUSH in the country significantly. There are 771468 AYUSH registered practitioners throughout the country as on 01.01.2016 who contribute to AYUSH health care services in the country including urban, semi-urban and rural areas. However, the data on para-medic staff for AYUSH systems of medicine is not maintained by the Central Government. For promotion of AYUSH, budgetary allocation of Rs. 1428.65 Crore as Budget Estimate has been made to Ministry of AYUSH which has been subsequently enhanced to Rs. 1557.80 Crore as Revised Estimate for various activities for the year 2017-18.