Government of India Expands AYUSH Integration in Healthcare Facilities

New Delhi:  The Government of India has embraced a strategy of co-locating AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs), offering patients a choice of different systems of medicine under a single window. AYUSH services have been allocated to 470 DHs, 3,149 CHCs, 204 health facilities at or above block level but below district level, 6,891 PHCs, and 2,894 health facilities above Sub-centre (SC) but below block level, as of September 30, 2023.

Integration of AYUSH with new and upcoming All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is a key focus, and a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has been formed to work out modalities for effective and expeditious integration of AYUSH in these institutions. AYUSH is also actively involved in wellness-related activities like Yoga, cycling, and meditation, conducted in Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). As of January 31, 2024, over 3.10 crore wellness sessions, including yoga, have been conducted under Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including Ayushman Melas.

In February 2018, the Government announced the establishment of 1,50,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (now renamed as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) across the country by December 2022. A total of 1,64,478 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established and operationalized by transforming existing Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres to deliver a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services. These services include preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services, which are universal, free, and accessible to the community.

Teleconsultation services are also available at operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, allowing people to access specialist services closer to their homes, addressing concerns of physical accessibility, saving costs, and ensuring a continuum of care. As of January 31, 2024, a total of 19.41 crore teleconsultations have been conducted at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including Ayushman Melas.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, provided this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.