New Delhi, 22 July (H.S.):

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav has written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposing the introduction of AYUSH outpatient departments (OPDs) and AYUSH-based treatment services in all military and field hospitals across the country.

In his letter written on Wednesday, Jadhav said that while the armed forces have a strong modern healthcare system, the inclusion of traditional healthcare systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy could provide soldiers with wider access to preventive, promotive and holistic healthcare services.

He highlighted that AYUSH facilities are currently available only at a limited number of institutions under the Defence Ministry, while most military and field hospitals do not have such services. According to him, expanding AYUSH healthcare facilities would help provide soldiers with better preventive care, lifestyle management support, rehabilitation services and comprehensive health solutions.

Jadhav urged the Defence Ministry to consider the proposal and assured that the Ayush Ministry is ready to provide technical assistance, expert guidance, institutional support and, if required, enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for effective implementation.

The proposed expansion aims to integrate traditional healthcare approaches with existing medical facilities to strengthen the overall health and wellness support system for armed forces personnel.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar