New AYUSH hospitals in Rajasthan, J'khand, Odisha; 306 ones revamped

New Delhi: Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of AYUSH Shripad Naik on Tuesday informed that three new AYUSH hospitals have been set up in Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha during the 100-day period of the present government while 306 Ayush hospitals have been upgraded.

The essential medicines have been supplied and sanctioned to more than 11,980 hospitals and dispensaries which will benefit more than 2.9 cr patients, the minister informed. The support to 2,853 PHCs with co-located AYUSH Centres has been extended during the period for medicines and contingencies which will benefit 64.6 lakh patients.

Mr Naik was addressing the media on achievements of the Ministry during the first 100 days of the present government. Rajan Vaidya Katoch, Secretary, AYUSH and senior officials of the ministry were also present at the conference. Pointing out that the Health insurance for AYUSH treatments is essential for increasing the access for the public to AYUSH healthcare, Mr Naik informed that the Ministry of AYUSH has been pursuing the expansion of insurance cover for AYUSH procedures diligently.

He also informed that a proposal for inclusion of 19 AYUSH packages in PM-JAY has been finalised and submitted to the National Health Authority. "We have also finalised the guidelines for expanding insurance to additional AYUSH treatments, and the response of the Insurance Companies to this has been positive," the Minister added.

The AYUSH Minister further informed that his Ministry has set a target to operationalise 4,200 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat Scheme during 2019-20. He also added that after scrutiny of proposals from states, 1,754 HWCs from different states/ UTs are sanctioned, and funds for 1,037 HWCs already released.

The Minister shared the commitment of the Ministry for strengthening the AYUSH health services in states or UTs and informed that an amount of Rs 325 crore funds has been released to states for activities under NAM after due scrutiny of proposals. While highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH in medicinal plants cultivation, the AYUSH Minister informed, "Proposals related to Medicinal Plant cultivation have also been supported. State Action Plans from 17 states were finalised, covering approximately 6500-hectare area, and costing around Rs 36 crore. This will benefit over 3000 farmers, and will include establishment of 44 nurseries and 16 processing units." To observe the 150th anniversary of the Father of the Nation, 150 mega naturopathy camps will be held in different States during the one-year period from October 2.

Source: Pen News