Shillong: In a significant development for the advancement of traditional medicine, Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated key projects to enhance capacity at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) in Mawdiangdiang. The projects, aimed at fostering scientific evidence for traditional medicine formulations, include the inauguration of the Guest House and the laying of foundation stones for the Administrative Building, Pharmacy Building, and Boundary wall with Periphery Road. The ceremony also marked the initiation of external electrification, including entry and exit gates.
Addressing the gathering, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the unique opportunity for learning and collaboration that comes with the expansion of capacity at NEIAH. He emphasized the institute’s role in establishing scientific evidence for each formulation of traditional medicine and commended the significant achievement of training nearly a thousand experts in Ayurveda and Homoeopathy.
Sonowal expressed confidence in the new brigade of physicians equipped with evidence-proven formulations, providing scientifically proven patient care solutions for various diseases. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building NEIAH’s capacity, with an investment of over ₹145 crores in the last year and a total project outlay of ₹217.02 crores for capacity expansion.
The minister announced the initiation of Peripheral OPD services in Smit, East Khasi Hills district, benefiting around 40,000 people in 20 villages. Additionally, he shared that NEIAH has commenced the Swarnabindu Prashan Sanskar program, offering Ayurvedic Immunomodulation for children. Under the AYURSWASTHYA Yojana, the government aims to address Iron Deficiency Anemia among tribal females in Mawpat and Mylliem Block of East Khasi Hills district through Ayurvedic solutions.
Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development, Dr. Munjapara Mahendra, joined the occasion virtually, along with other dignitaries, including Secretary of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha; Vice Chancellor of Northeast Hill University (NEHU), Prof PS Shukla; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, BK Singh; and Director, NEIAH, Prof Neeta Maheskar. The developments mark a significant stride towards popularizing Ayush system of medicine and making healthcare benefits more accessible.