Lucknow, Nov 06 (HS): Over the past nine and a half years,

the Yogi government has taken several important steps towards giving a new

identity to AYUSH systems of medicine. Along with extending systems such as

Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani and Homoeopathy to the general public,

special attention has been given to strengthening their educational, medical

and institutional infrastructure. To provide AYUSH healthcare services in an

integrated manner across the state, a separate AYUSH Department was established

in 2017.

Through this initiative, Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy

services were brought under a single administrative framework, paving the way

for their development, expansion and improved functioning. Earlier, these

services were operated under separate departmental arrangements. The Yogi

government has worked towards integrating AYUSH healthcare into mainstream

health services rather than limiting it to traditional treatment alone.

Principal Secretary, AYUSH, Ranjan Kumar, stated that, in

accordance with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, Mahayogi Guru

Gorakhnath AYUSH University was established in Gorakhpur to provide a new

direction to AYUSH medical education. Its foundation stone was laid in August

2021 by the then President Ram Nath Kovind. Developed over approximately 52

acres, the university was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in July 2025.

It is the first AYUSH University in the state, through which medical education

in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy is being conducted under an integrated

system.

Approximately 100 AYUSH colleges are affiliated with the

university. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including BAMS, BUMS and

BHMS, are being taught and examinations are being conducted here. Along with

medical services, the university is also promoting research and quality AYUSH

education.

To extend AYUSH healthcare facilities to the district level,

the Yogi government has placed special emphasis on the construction of

integrated AYUSH hospitals. These hospitals have been developed with the objective

of providing treatment facilities through systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,

Unani and Homoeopathy. In December 2021, 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals were

inaugurated in eight cities of the state. Along with this, the establishment of

6 new hospitals was announced. A total of 16 integrated AYUSH hospitals with 50

beds each are fully operational in the state.

In addition, it has been reported that the construction of

four other hospitals in Bulandshahr, Fatehpur, Hardoi and Unnao is almost

complete. Construction of a 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospital in Meerut and a

30-bed integrated AYUSH hospital in Jaunpur is also underway.

The Yogi government has expanded Health and Wellness Centres

to extend AYUSH healthcare to villages and towns. Through these centres,

Ayurvedic consultations, yoga, naturopathy and measures for disease prevention

are being promoted. A total of 1,034 Health and Wellness Centres and 225 Yoga

Wellness Centres have now been established across the state.

Through these centres, efforts are being made to encourage

people to adopt healthy lifestyles, practise yoga regularly and become aware of

disease prevention. Integrating AYUSH healthcare with primary health services

is also an important component of this initiative.

The network of government hospitals and dispensaries has

also been strengthened to expand AYUSH healthcare services. There are a total

of 3,968 clinics, hospitals and dispensaries across the state. Treatment

facilities under various AYUSH systems of medicine are being provided through

these institutions. Under the National AYUSH Mission, work is also being

undertaken to develop infrastructure in government AYUSH hospitals and

dispensaries, ensure the availability of essential medicines and expand

healthcare services.

Arrangements for providing AYUSH healthcare services at

Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and district hospitals are

providing patients with treatment options.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi